The ministry will conduct clinical observation and scrutiny from June 17 on 49 farms and 617 units at pig-heavy breeding complexes in South Korea. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jul. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported Sunday that it will expand blood tests for African swine fever (ASF) to all pig farms across the country to prevent the inflow of ASF into the country.
The ministry designated 14 cities and counties near the inter-Korean border as special management zones in May after an ASF epidemic broke out in North Korea.
The ministry then conducted blood tests at pig farms within the designated areas, with livestock testing negative for ASF.
In addition, the ministry will conduct clinical observation and scrutiny from June 17 on 49 farms and 617 units at pig-heavy breeding complexes in South Korea.
Furthermore, the ministry plans to conduct a thorough investigation of ASF from Monday through August 10 of all 6,300 pig farms nationwide.
“To prevent the inflow of ASF into South Korea, farmers and related personnel should refrain from visiting countries where it occurs,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that foreign farm laborers should be banned from entering the country after visiting foreign countries for five days and that quarantine rules, including disinfection of farms, should be thoroughly implemented.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
