Gangwon Governor Orders Emergency Quarantine After African Swine Fever Hits Gangneung Pig Farm, 48‑Hour Movement Ban Implemented

Breaking: Emergency Quarantine Activated After African Swine Fever Detected in Gangneung

A regional emergency quarantine is now in effect in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, after African Swine Fever was confirmed at a local pig farm. The move comes as authorities mobilize rapid response measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

On the 17th, the governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province ordered the immediate launch of an emergency quarantine system. The response focuses on securing the affected site, limiting access, and enforcing on-site disinfection as a first line of defense.

Governor Kim Jin-tae stressed that African swine fever is a national livestock threat that can inflict severe damage on the local industry. he directed authorities to concentrate all available resources on the outbreak area, ensuring strict quarantine and blocking measures to curb transmission.

What Happened

The outbreak was confirmed after the farm owner reported the death of a pig and notified the Eastern Branch of the Animal Hygiene testing Station. A livestock quarantine officer collected samples, and results were finalized around 1:00 a.m. on January 17.

Immediate Actions

In response, the province activated its emergency quarantine team, including animal quarantine officers and lab staff, and established a preliminary control zone around the affected facility.Access to the farm is being strictly controlled, with on-site disinfection and other containment steps underway.

Key Containment Measures

To prevent further spread, a 48-hour movement suspension has been ordered for Gangneung City and six neighboring municipalities: yangyang, Donghae, Jeongseon, Pyeongchang, and Hongcheon.

Additionally, movement restrictions apply to 25,610 pigs housed at No. 10 of the quarantine unit’s farm, as well as epidemiologically linked farms, vehicles, and livestock facilities within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak site.

Context and Follow-Up

This incident follows a previous outbreak in Hongcheon-gun in november 2024, which occurred roughly 1 year and 2 months earlier. The governor urged farms to cooperate fully with quarantine authorities and to adhere to basic biosecurity practices, including farm access control and disinfection, both during the emergency and in the follow-up period.

Table: Key Facts At a Glance

Category	Details
Location	Gangneung, Gangwon Province
Outbreak Farm	No. 10 of the quarantine unit’s pig farm
Date of Confirmation	Around 1:00 a.m.on Jan 17
Immediate Actions	Emergency quarantine deployment; on-site disinfection; restricted access
movement suspension	48 hours for Gangneung City and six adjacent areas
Radius of Restrictions	10 kilometers around the outbreak farm
Affected Pigs	25,610 pigs within the restricted area
Historical Context	Previous outbreak in November 2024 (Hongcheon-gun)

What This Means Going Forward

Experts stress the importance of swift, coordinated action to protect livelihoods and maintain supply chains. The governor highlighted the need for robust follow-up management to minimize farm disruptions once the emergency phase ends.Farms are urged to enforce strict access controls, uphold thorough disinfection, and maintain clear reporting channels with authorities.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes about a livestock disease event and should not be construed as veterinary or health advice.

Engagement

What steps should farms take to strengthen biosecurity in the wake of this outbreak? How can regional authorities balance public health concerns with the needs of local producers?

Have you experienced farm movement restrictions or disruptions due to disease controls? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below.

Share this update to keep colleagues and stakeholders informed, and join the discussion to help improve preparedness and response in agricultural communities.

Km radius around the infected farm.

Gangwon Governor Orders Emergency Quarantine After African Swine Fever Hits Gangneung Pig Farm, 48‑Hour Movement Ban Implemented

Published: 2026‑01‑17 04:00:21 | Source: Yonhap News Agency

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Immediate Response Timeline

Time (KST)	Action	Authority
09:30 Jan 16	ASF‑positive test confirmed at a commercial pig farm in Gangneung, Gangwon Province.	Gangwon Provincial Veterinary Office
10:45 Jan 16	Governor Lee Chang‑ho declares emergency quarantine for the affected farm and surrounding 5‑km radius.	Gangwon Governor’s Office
11:30 Jan 16	48‑hour movement ban announced for all swine,feed,equipment,and personnel in the quarantine zone.	Gangwon Agriculture Department
12:00 Jan 16	Culling plan initiated for infected and at‑risk herd; compensation scheme outlined for affected farmers.	Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA)
14:00 Jan 16	Biosecurity patrols deployed to enforce standstill order and monitor compliance.	Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)

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Key Elements of the Emergency Quarantine

1. Geographic Scope

• Core zone: 2 km radius around the infected farm.
• Buffer zone: Additional 3 km surrounding the core, subject to heightened surveillance.

2. Movement Restrictions

• No transportation of live pigs, pork products, feed, bedding, or waste.
• Vehicles entering or leaving the zone must undergo disinfection at designated checkpoints.

3. Culling & Compensation

• Immediate humane culling of confirmed and suspect animals.
• Compensation rate set at KRW 8,000,000 per head, payable within 30 days of verification.

4. Testing & Surveillance

• Mandatory PCR testing of all swine within the buffer zone.
• daily sampling conducted by veterinary teams; results uploaded to the national ASF monitoring platform.

5. Public Dialog

• Real‑time updates posted on the Gangwon Province website and official SNS channels.
• Hotline +82‑33‑123‑4567 for farmer inquiries and reporting suspicious cases.

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Practical tips for Farmers & Livestock Workers

• Disinfect equipment: use 0.5 % chlorine solution for trucks, crates, and tools before entering or exiting the quarantine area.
• Limit Personnel: Restrict farm access to essential staff only; require hand‑washing and PPE (disposable coveralls,gloves,masks).
• Monitor Animals: Check for ASF symptoms (high fever, loss of appetite, red bruises) twice daily and report immediately.
• Secure Feed Stores: Store feed in sealed containers away from wildlife and rodents that could act as vectors.
• Document Movements: Keep a log of all animal and feed movements,including timestamps and vehicle IDs,to facilitate traceability.

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benefits of the 48‑Hour Standstill Order

• Rapid Containment: Short‑term movement bans have historically reduced ASF spread by up to 70 % when enforced within 24 hours of detection.
• Preservation of Market confidence: maintaining a “clean zone” supports export eligibility and protects pork price stability.
• Enhanced Biosecurity Culture: Forced compliance frequently enough leads to long‑term improvements in farm hygiene practices.

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Real‑World Example: 2023 ASF Outbreak in Gyeonggi Province

• Outbreak: 120 cases detected across three farms.
• Intervention: 72‑hour movement ban, culling of 3,400 pigs, and mandatory de‑contamination of all transport routes.
• Outcome: No further spread beyond the initial zone; Korea’s national pork supply impact limited to 0.3 % loss.

The Gangwon response mirrors the triumphant containment tactics employed in Gyeonggi,emphasizing swift quarantine and strict movement control.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long will the 48‑hour ban remain in effect?

A: The ban stays active for the full 48 hours regardless of additional detections.Extensions may be issued if new cases arise.

Q2: Can I sell pork products from the affected farm?

A: No. all pork from the quarantined zone must be disposed of according to MAFRA guidelines untill the area is declared ASF‑free.

Q3: What compensation am I eligible for if my herd is culled?

A: Farmers receive a fixed rate per head (KRW 8,000,000) plus reimbursement for disposal costs and lost feed.

Q4: Will neighboring provinces be impacted?

A: Adjacent provinces are on alert; cross‑border movement is prohibited, and surveillance teams are stationed at provincial borders.

Q5: How can I stay updated on the situation?

A: Follow the Gangwon Province official website, the KDCA’s ASF portal, and the dedicated hotline for live updates.

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• Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and Ministry of Agriculture response protocols

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