Suwon City Takes Preemptive Quarantine Measures Against African Swine Fever

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City has launched preemptive quarantine measures to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).

The city has issued a "temporary movement ban" order for livestock-related workers and vehicles from 6:30 a.m. on the 17th through 6:30 a.m. on the 19th.

Although there are no pig farms in the city, the "temporary movement ban" order is intended to help prevent the spread of swine fever. The city has mobilized quarantine supplies and disinfection vehicles for livestock quarantine efforts. The city announced plans to monitor foreign food retailers and operate a situation room in the Life Industry Division until the situation is resolved, actively engaging in quarantine activities.

African Swine Fever is an infectious disease that occurs only in pigs, with a 100% fatality rate upon infection. It is designated as a Category 1 notifiable infectious disease in Korea, and currently has no treatment or vaccine. After first occurring in China last August, it has spread to neighboring countries including Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, North Korea, and Laos.

In Korea, the first confirmed case of African Swine Fever was reported in Paju, Gyeonggi Province on the 17th, and on the 18th, a pig farm in Yeoncheon County was confirmed as infected.

A city official stated, "We urge livestock industry workers to comply with the 'temporary movement ban' order so that African Swine Fever can be contained early, and to actively cooperate with livestock quarantine efforts."

When traveling to countries where African Swine Fever has occurred, do not visit livestock facilities or have contact with livestock. Additionally, do not bring pork products such as meat, ham, and sausages into Korea, and if such items have been brought in, they must be reported at the airport.

Citizens who have visited livestock farms or livestock markets in affected countries must mark the relevant section on the "Traveler's Customs Declaration Form" upon entry. Citizens returning from affected countries should refrain from visiting livestock facilities for five days after returning home.