Geochang-gun Steps Up to Block ASF Influx... Launches Drone-Based Quarantine

Blocking Measures Implemented Without Delay Through Use of Reserve Funds
Top Priority on Halting the Spread and Fully Protecting the Local Pig Industry

Geochang-gun in South Gyeongsang Province has launched preemptive quarantine measures to block African Swine Fever (ASF) from entering local pig farms, following a series of recent outbreaks in Changnyeong-gun, South Gyeongsang Province, and Gimcheon-si, North Gyeongsang Province.

In light of the fact that there are no vaccines or treatments for ASF and that an outbreak could cause enormous damage to the entire local pig industry, the county began intensive disinfection using drones on February 21, focusing on pigsty roofs and surrounding areas that are difficult for farms to disinfect on their own.

Geochang County: Drone Disinfection for African Swine Fever Quarantine Photos

In particular, recognizing the importance of an early response, the county has allocated and executed the operating budget for drone-based disinfection from reserve funds, thereby activating a rapid quarantine system without delays caused by administrative procedures.

Gu Inmo, Governor of Geochang-gun, said, "African Swine Fever is a disaster-type animal infectious disease that is difficult to recover from once it occurs, so above all, preemptive blocking is crucial," adding, "We will do our utmost to prevent its introduction into the region through drone-based quarantine and cooperation with relevant agencies."

Meanwhile, going forward, Geochang-gun will continue to closely monitor ASF outbreak trends, regularly inspect whether on-site quarantine rules are being observed, including farm-level disinfection and control of access by outsiders and vehicles, and immediately implement additional quarantine measures whenever the situation changes.