Breaking: African Swine Fever Outbreak Hits Paju Farm - 48-Hour Movement Ban and Intensive Disinfection Underway

Emergency Response: Another ASF Outbreak Strikes Korean Border Region

Have you heard about the latest African swine fever outbreak that's got South Korean authorities scrambling for containment? On July 16, 2025, the country confirmed its fourth case of African swine fever (ASF) this year, this time hitting a pig farm in Paju, Gyeonggi Province - a location that's becoming all too familiar with this devastating disease.

The outbreak was discovered at a farm housing approximately 2,500 pigs, located in the inter-Korean border county that has been a recurring hotspot for ASF cases since the disease first entered South Korea in 2019. This latest case marks the end of a four-month hiatus from ASF outbreaks, with the previous case occurring in Yangju back in March 2025.

What makes this situation particularly concerning is the farm's location near the North Korean border, an area that has consistently been vulnerable to ASF transmission. The disease's proximity to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) raises questions about cross-border wildlife transmission, particularly through wild boar populations that don't recognize political boundaries.

Swift Government Action: 48-Hour Standstill and Quarantine Measures

The Korean government's response has been immediate and comprehensive. Within hours of confirming the outbreak, authorities issued a 48-hour standstill order affecting pig farms and related facilities across five cities: Paju and four neighboring areas including Yeoncheon, Yangju, Gimpo, and Goyang.

This standstill order isn't just a precautionary measure - it's a critical tool in the government's arsenal to prevent the virus from spreading through transportation networks. During these 48 hours, all movement of livestock, vehicles, and personnel associated with pig farms, slaughterhouses, and feed factories is strictly prohibited.

Emergency response teams and epidemiological investigation units have been dispatched to the affected farm to control access and conduct thorough investigations. The farm's 2,500 pigs are scheduled for culling according to standard ASF emergency protocols, a harsh but necessary measure given the disease's 100% mortality rate in domestic pigs.

Understanding ASF: The Silent Killer of Swine Industry

African swine fever might not affect humans, but it's absolutely devastating to pig populations. The disease is caused by a virus that has no known vaccine or cure, making prevention and rapid response the only effective strategies. ASF spreads through direct contact between infected and healthy pigs, contaminated feed, vehicles, clothing, and equipment.

What makes ASF particularly insidious is its ability to survive in the environment for extended periods. The virus can persist in frozen pork products for years and survive in dried blood on surfaces for months. This resilience explains why disinfection protocols are so crucial and why authorities are mobilizing all available resources for intensive cleaning operations.

The disease's impact on South Korea's pork industry cannot be understated. Since the first outbreak in September 2019, the country has recorded 51 outbreaks in domestic pig herds, leading to the culling of approximately 190,700 animals. The economic losses extend beyond the immediate costs of culling, affecting supply chains, export markets, and farmer livelihoods.

Historical Context: Paju's Recurring Battle with ASF

Paju has an unfortunate distinction as the epicenter of South Korea's ASF crisis. The very first case of African swine fever in the country was detected in Paju on September 16, 2019, at a farm raising 2,450 pigs. That initial outbreak sent shockwaves through the agricultural community and triggered the country's first-ever ASF emergency response.

The 2019 outbreak in Paju was particularly significant because it occurred near the DMZ, raising immediate concerns about the virus's origin and potential connection to North Korean wild boar populations. Lee Un-sang, the 74-year-old chairman of the Paju pork producers' association, captured the sentiment at the time: 'I knew it was going to come at some point. I just didn't think it would happen so soon'.

Since then, Paju has experienced multiple ASF outbreaks, making it a focal point for understanding the disease's transmission patterns in South Korea. The recurring nature of outbreaks in this region has led researchers to study the area intensively, particularly focusing on the role of wild boar populations in virus maintenance and spread.

Community Response and Farmer Concerns

The pig farming community in Paju has developed a complex relationship with ASF over the years. Farmers have learned to live with the constant threat, implementing strict biosecurity measures that were once considered excessive. The psychological toll on farming families cannot be overlooked - watching entire herds being culled repeatedly has created lasting trauma in the community.

Local farmers have expressed mixed feelings about the government's response measures. While they appreciate the swift action, the economic burden of repeated outbreaks has pushed many to the brink of financial ruin. The compensation system, while providing some relief, often falls short of covering the full economic impact of lost breeding stock and disrupted production cycles.

The farming community has also had to adapt to new realities, including enhanced biosecurity protocols, restricted movement during outbreaks, and constant vigilance for disease symptoms. These changes have transformed the traditional farming lifestyle, creating stress and uncertainty that extends beyond the immediate health concerns.

Prevention Strategies and Future Outlook

South Korea's approach to ASF prevention has evolved significantly since 2019. The government has implemented a comprehensive National Action Plan that includes movement control, rapid culling within infected zones, enhanced surveillance, and improved diagnostic capabilities. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of wild boar management, recognizing their role in maintaining the virus in the environment.

Looking ahead, the challenges remain substantial. The virus continues to circulate in wild boar populations across multiple provinces, creating an ongoing reservoir for potential farm infections. Climate change and environmental factors may also influence the virus's survival and transmission patterns, requiring adaptive management strategies.

The latest outbreak in Paju serves as a stark reminder that ASF remains a persistent threat to South Korea's livestock industry. While the government's rapid response demonstrates improved preparedness, the recurring nature of outbreaks in border regions suggests that long-term solutions will require sustained vigilance, international cooperation, and continued investment in prevention and control measures.