S. Korea reports 11 more African swine fever cases in wild boars
SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Yonhap) -- An environment agency said Tuesday it has found 11 more wild boars infected with the deadly African swine fever (ASF) virus in areas near the inter-Korean border. The discoveries raised the number of wild boar infections in the country to 228.
The 11 carcasses were found in border areas, including in the eastern county of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, as well as the border city of Paju and Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province, north of Seoul, according to a research institute affiliated with the environment ministry.
South Korea confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the animal disease in September last year. Although no additional ASF cases on farms have been reported since early October, authorities continue to discover dead wild boars carrying the disease.
Different from other animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, which is airborne, the African swine fever spreads through direct contact with infected animals or their remains, according to experts.
North Korea reported its first outbreak of ASF at a pig farm near its border with China in May last year, and all confirmed cases so far in South Korea have been reported in border areas.
As part of preventive measures, the authorities have culled about 400,000 pigs. Currently, no vaccines or cures exist.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
New Defense Minister Lee takes office, warns of 'stern' response to possible N.K. provocations
-
(LEAD) Yoon taps ex-deputy NSA for spy chief
-
Gov't to significantly increase international flights to meet travel demand
-
(2nd LD) BTS wins three Billboard Music Awards, marking 6th year to win an award
-
(Yonhap Interview) Kiwoom Heroes' ace Eric Jokisch wants to make young sons proud
-
S. Korea to send condolence delegation to UAE over death of president
-
Yoon expresses hope for reopening of Seoul-Tokyo air route to bolster exchanges
-
(LEAD) N. Korea confirms first case of omicron variant of COVID-19: state media
-
Seoul's daily subway ridership hits pandemic-era high on eased restrictions
-
(5th LD) N.K. leader, wearing mask, chairs meeting on omicron outbreak
-
S. Korean volunteer fighter in Ukraine doesn't regret his action despite facing imprisonment at home
-
(LEAD) S. Korea looks into cryptocurrency market following TerraUSD, Luna crash
-
S. Korea's Black Eagles aerobatic team to perform in British air shows in July
-
(LEAD) Yoon names ex-Vice FM Cho as ambassador to U.S.
-
(LEAD) N. Korea reports 6 additional deaths amid COVID-19; military mobilized for drug supply