Jungsubon, Spring African Swine Fever (ASF) Prevention Measures Strengthened
"No Additional Cases in Farmed Pigs for 4 Months"
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for African Swine Fever (ASF) announced on the 25th that it plans to tighten quarantine measures as the wild boar birthing season approaches in April and May.
According to the headquarters, as of the 24th, 1,138 cases of wild boar ASF have occurred in 13 cities and counties including Hwacheon and Yeoncheon.
No additional ASF cases have been reported in farmed pigs for four months since November last year.
The problem lies in the spring wild boar birthing season. The population rapidly increases, and ASF-infected wild boars may enter areas densely populated with pig farms.
A representative from the headquarters explained, "It is a serious situation where ASF-infected wild boars are spreading westward or southward from the outbreak points, raising concerns about their entry into areas densely populated with pig farms."
The headquarters has devised strengthened ASF quarantine measures focusing on intensive management of wild boars and proactively blocking farm quarantine.
Specifically, they will remove contamination sources through intensive wild boar capture, carcass search and inspection, and fence installation.
They will also simultaneously carry out disinfection and quarantine facility improvements at pig farms, manage vulnerable factors such as complex farming, and promote and educate farm workers on quarantine rules.
Park Youngbeom, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "The headquarters, along with related ministries and local governments, will actively implement quarantine measures such as fence installation and management, wild boar capture, carcass search and removal, and disinfection of contaminated areas."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
