▲ Quarantine workers control access to a farm in Gangneung, about 170 kilometers east of Seoul in Gangwon Province, where the nation's first case of African swine fever in about two months was confirmed, on Jan. 17, 2026. (Yonhap)

swine fever-outbreak

S. Korea reports 4th African swine fever case as virus spreads nationwide

SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Tuesday confirmed its fourth case of African swine fever (ASF) this year, prompting authorities to step up containment measures nationwide.

The latest case was detected at a pig farm in the county of Yeonggwang, about 320 kilometers south of Seoul, which raises some 21,000 pigs, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including the culling of affected pigs. It has also issued a 48-hour standstill order for all pig farms and related facilities nationwide, effective through Wednesday.

The country confirmed its first ASF case of the year earlier this month in the eastern city of Gangneung after a two-month hiatus, followed by two additional cases last week in Anseong and Pocheon, both in Gyeonggi Province.

"As African swine fever is spreading to areas previously considered safe, the current situation is more serious than ever," the ministry said in a statement.

It urged local governments, livestock-related organizations and pig farmers to implement intensive disinfection and quarantine measures.

ASF does not affect humans but is fatal to pigs, and there is currently no vaccine or cure for the disease.

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