The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is ramping up measures to combat the risk of winter animal diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and African swine fever (ASF). In light of increasing outbreaks abroad, the emergence of new FMD virus types, and the potential for ASF transmission through wild boars and feed, the ministry will focus on managing high-risk areas and farms while ensuring rapid response in case of outbreaks.
On September 16, the ministry announced during the 14th National Policy Coordination Committee meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, that a special prevention period will be implemented from October this year to February next year as part of the '2026/2027 Winter Animal Disease Special Prevention Measures.'
This year, the risk factors for animal diseases have increased. The number of highly pathogenic AI cases among wild birds abroad rose to 2,957 from January to August, more than double the 1,432 cases reported during the same period last year. A new type of FMD virus, SAT1, has been confirmed in China and Mongolia, which had not previously been reported in neighboring countries. Additionally, ASF is now suspected to be transmitted through pig plasma-derived feed, alongside wild boars.
AI prevention measures will primarily target egg-laying farms. Of the 62 domestic AI cases reported last winter, 31 occurred at egg-laying farms, with 17 of those involving large farms housing over 100,000 birds.
Starting in September, the ministry will operate an early warning system for migratory birds and enhance disinfection around migratory bird habitats. It will also manage 280 restricted access zones to prevent livestock vehicles from passing near these areas.
To prevent disease entry into farms, a three-tiered biosecurity system will be implemented at disinfection facilities, farm entrances, and livestock barns. Large egg-laying farms will adopt a pre-registration system for vehicles and personnel. Plans are also in place to establish over 100 unmanned control posts using CCTV. Beginning in 2027, a comprehensive 'Biosecurity Artificial Intelligence Transition (AX) Package' will be introduced, integrating access control, disinfection, record management, early detection, and smart diagnostics.
Tailored biosecurity measures will be implemented in the 95 cities and counties where AI has occurred over the past decade, reflecting local conditions. High-risk areas, including 12 egg-laying farm clusters and regions such as Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and northwest Cheonan, will receive focused management. Special measures will be applied in Gimje, where AI has been reported for three consecutive years, including adjustments to livestock density and designated vehicle routes.
In relation to FMD, preparations are underway for the potential domestic entry of the new SAT1 virus. Vaccination was completed in July for livestock in border areas of Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon, with plans to extend vaccinations to 28 semi-risk areas by early 2027. The ministry aims to stockpile 32 million doses of the SAT1 vaccine by 2027.
For the existing O-type FMD, vaccination records will be managed on a farm and individual basis, with enhanced surveillance and additional vaccinations in previously affected and bordering areas.
Although no new ASF cases have been reported since 24 cases occurred from January to March this year, the number of wild boar detections has increased from 50 last year to 197 this year. The ministry will deploy thermal drones and detection dogs in areas with high detection rates, such as Hwacheon, Chuncheon, Chungju, Pocheon, and Gapyeong, and install trapping devices in Ulsan and Goryeong.
Additionally, samples from 64 slaughterhouses and 36 blood storage facilities nationwide will be tested to prevent potential infections through plasma-derived feed. To prevent foreign outbreaks, the ministry will enhance X-ray screening and detection dog deployment on flights from affected countries and increase inspections of foreign food markets from twice a year to four times.
During the special prevention period, the ministry will continuously assess outbreak risks and strengthen biosecurity measures in high-risk farms and regions. The Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' Biosecurity Policy Bureau urged livestock farmers, producer groups, and the public to refrain from visiting migratory bird habitats and livestock farms, and to strictly adhere to basic biosecurity protocols, including vehicle access control, disinfection, and changing footwear.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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