Gyeonggi-do, Pocheon Make All-Out Efforts to Block the Spread of African Swine Fever

Temporary Movement Suspension Order Issued in Northern Gyeonggi from 12 PM 1.6 to 12 PM 1.8
Intensive Disinfection and Quarantine of Pig Farms and Livestock Facilities... Quarantine Zone Including Affected Farms Tests Negative

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Youngcheol] Following the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Pocheon on the 5th, Gyeonggi Province is focusing on preventing the introduction of ASF into pig farms within the province.

This ASF occurrence in the province is the first in three months since the outbreak in farmed pigs in Gimpo and Paju on September 28 last year.

On the 9th, the province announced, "The slaughterhouse where the first positive case was confirmed has been closed, and all pigs and pork products inside the slaughterhouse were disposed of. Additionally, 8,444 pigs and contaminated materials from the affected farm were buried in a liquid fertilizer storage tank."

Earlier, the province conducted intensive disinfection of the affected farm and surrounding roads, and issued a 'Standstill' order for 48 hours from 12 PM on the 6th to 12 PM on the 8th, restricting movement of pig farms, livestock facilities (including slaughterhouses), and livestock vehicles in eight cities and counties in northern Gyeonggi.

After restricting movement for 1 farm epidemiologically linked to the affected farm, 55 farms within a 10 km quarantine zone (31 in Pocheon, 24 in Cheorwon), and 153 farms related to the slaughterhouse epidemiology (in Pocheon, Yeoncheon, Paju, Yangju, and Dongducheon), detailed inspections were conducted, all of which tested negative.

However, movement restrictions will be maintained for more than 30 days for the affected farm and farms within the 10 km quarantine zone, while movement restrictions for farms related to the slaughterhouse epidemiology will be lifted 21 days after their last visit.

Furthermore, since January this year, installation of enhanced biosecurity facilities has been mandated for pig farms. Strict inspections will be conducted on farms without installation or operation of such facilities, and fines will be imposed on violating farms.

Additionally, wild boar capture will continue until March, before the wild boar birthing season. Pig farms are urged to thoroughly disinfect farms and surrounding roads and to install disinfectants and repellents at wild boar access routes.

Kim Jonghun, Director of Animal Quarantine and Hygiene at Gyeonggi Province, emphasized, "Not only in northern Gyeonggi but throughout the entire province, ASF contamination sources outdoors can enter farms at any time. Farmers need to cooperate by maintaining biosecurity facilities and strictly adhering to biosecurity protocols."

Meanwhile, since 2019, ASF has occurred in farmed pigs in 13 cities and counties with 29 cases, and in wild boars, 2,762 cases have been reported across 32 cities and counties nationwide. (As of January 5, 2023)