South Korea ramps up efforts to prevent outbreaks of African swine fever, animal diseases

Steps being taken to strengthen quarantine systems at major airports, harbors, reports local media

2022-05-17 10:27:37

ANKARA

South Korea has decided to bolster quarantine systems at major airports and harbors to prevent the possible spread of African swine fever (ASF) and other contagious animal diseases, local media reported on Tuesday.

The decision comes as Seoul gears up to increase international flights from next month and move towards post-pandemic normalcy, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ministry said quarantine systems will be enhanced at eight major airports and six harbors, including those in the western port city of Incheon, Gimpo in Seoul, and the southern resort island of Jeju.

Travelers will not be allowed to bring banned or unregistered agricultural and livestock products into the country, with a fine of up to 10 million won ($7,821) for those who fail to declare such products to authorities.

According to the ministry, South Korea has reported around 300 cases of African swine fever this year, while some 63 countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia, have reported outbreaks of the virus.

African swine fever does not affect humans but is deadly to pigs, and there is currently no vaccine available for the disease, the report said.

“We ask people to refrain from visiting farms in foreign nations and bringing in food and other livestock products here. We will thoroughly implement stronger quarantine steps,” an unnamed ministry official was quoted as saying.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid