African Swine Fever Outbreak in South Korea: Jeollanam-do Province on High Alert

South Korea is battling a resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF), with multiple outbreaks confirmed in the southwestern province of Jeollanam-do. Authorities are implementing strict quarantine measures, including culling, movement restrictions, and intensive disinfection, to prevent further spread of the highly contagious viral disease.

Recent Outbreaks and Provincial Response

As of February 20, 2026, ASF has been confirmed at a pig farm in Hyeonggyeong-myeon, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. This latest case brings the total number of outbreaks in the province to three, with prior cases reported in Naju and Yeonggwang . The affected farm in Muan-gun raises approximately 3,500 pigs.

Jeollanam-do Province has swiftly deployed initial quarantine teams to the affected farm to control access, implement disinfection protocols, and establish a 10km quarantine zone. Within this zone, movement restrictions, disinfection procedures, and continuous monitoring are being enforced. Provincial officials are also investigating the surrounding environment to determine the origin of the outbreak .

National Situation and Quarantine Measures

The outbreaks in Jeollanam-do are part of a broader national trend. As of February 20, 2026, a total of 19 ASF cases have been reported across South Korea, including cases in Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Gyeongnam, and Gyeongbuk .

To contain the spread, authorities are implementing several key measures:

• Rapid Culling: Pigs at infected farms are being culled to eliminate the virus.
• Movement Restrictions: Temporary 24-hour movement restrictions have been imposed on pig farms and related facilities in Muan-gun and neighboring cities and counties, including Mokpo, Naju, Yeongam, Hampyeong, and Shinan .
• Intensive Disinfection: Thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures are being carried out at affected farms and surrounding areas.
• Epidemiological Investigation: Authorities are conducting detailed investigations to trace the source of the outbreaks and prevent further transmission.

Preventive Measures and Public Appeal

Lee Young-nam, head of the Jeollanam-do Animal Quarantine Department, emphasized the seriousness of the situation and urged strict compliance with administrative orders. These include banning gatherings of pig farm workers and ensuring proper disinfection and access control measures are in place .

Farmers are also being reminded to adhere to basic quarantine rules, such as disinfecting and changing boots when entering barns.

Previous Outbreaks

An earlier outbreak in Naju, Jeollanam-do, was reported on February 9, 2026, affecting a farm raising 1,280 pigs. This outbreak was linked to a vehicle that had visited a farm in Yeongwang, where ASF was previously detected .

Prior to February 9th, authorities had already identified three new cases in Jeongeup, Gimcheon, and Hongseong on February 13, 2026, bringing the year’s total to 14 .

Authorities are planning to examine all approximately 4,800 pig farms across the country by February 28, 2026, and are strengthening crackdowns on the distribution of illegally imported livestock products .