Carnism

SOUTH KOREA: Authorities have killed 380,000 pigs in attempt to contain swine fever outbreak

Credit: Aussie Farms

In a northern region of North Korea, authorities are acting fast to try to contain the spread of African swine fever, killing about 380,000 pigs to date since the outbreak was reported in September.

This represents about 3% or over 12 million pigs that are being raised for human consumption in South Korea.



"Authorities had yet to find the right balance in the response to livestock disease outbreaks, despite repeated experiences in the past", said Woo Hee-jong, veterinary professor at Seoul National University. The speed of which the pigs are being killed is raising safety concerns. It is possible they "excessively culled pigs to keep the virus from spreading to the southern part where many pig farms are located", Woo elaborated.



The slaughtered animals are reportedly buried, with protective plastic laid inside a pit to prevent the seepage of fluid from carcasses, but media reported a stream off the Imjin river in Yeoncheon has been contaminated with the blood from thousands of dead pig's bodies piled up in the region, awaiting burial.