South Korea on highest alert as simultaneous livestock epidemics spread nationwide

All three diseases remain at the highest of four alert levels. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SEOUL - South Korea’s quarantine authorities are on high alert as three major livestock diseases, highly pathogenic avian influenza, African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, spread simultaneously across the country, raising concerns over supply disruptions and higher livestock prices.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on March 16 that all three diseases remain at the highest of four alert levels, with the government extending its special quarantine period by one month through the end of March.

All three illnesses are classified domestically as Type 1 livestock infectious diseases, the most severe category due to their rapid transmission and economic impact.

The World Organisation for Animal Health also lists them as Category A diseases, meaning they spread quickly and can significantly disrupt international trade.

Simultaneous outbreaks of all three diseases had not been seen between 2019, when African swine fever was first confirmed in South Korea, and 2024.

However, they have now emerged together for the second consecutive year, raising concerns among veterinary experts.