South Korea confirmed its eighth case of African swine fever (ASF) in 2026 on Saturday, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.
The latest outbreak was detected at a pig farm in Pocheon, located north of Seoul, which houses approximately 8,800 pigs.
Authorities have initiated culling operations to eliminate the affected pigs and prevent further spread of the highly contagious and fatal viral disease. However, officials stated there are no plans to impose a nationwide standstill order that would restrict movement at all pig farms.
The country recorded its first ASF case of the year earlier this month in Gangneung, followed by additional outbreaks in Anseong and Pocheon, both situated in Gyeonggi Province surrounding the capital region.
African swine fever poses no risk to human health and is not transmissible to people through consumption of pork or contact. However, it is extremely lethal to domestic pigs and wild boars, often resulting in near-100% mortality in infected herds, with no effective vaccine or treatment currently available.
South Korea has been battling periodic ASF outbreaks since the disease first appeared in the country in 2019, implementing strict biosecurity measures, culling protocols, and surveillance to contain its spread and protect the national pig industry. The recurrence of cases in 2026 underscores ongoing challenges in preventing reintroduction and transmission, particularly in high-density farming areas near the border with North Korea, where wild boar movements have historically played a role in spreading the virus.
