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South Korea Faces Rising Animal Disease Outbreaks, Prices Surge

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Korea is experiencing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), African swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture to raise the alert level to the highest category.
The quarantine period has been extended through March 2024, marking the second consecutive year of simultaneous outbreaks.
HPAI cases increased from 32 to 56 farms, while African swine fever reached a record 22 cases in over two months.
Over 9.8 million laying hens have been culled, leading to a projected 3.3% rise in pork prices by 2026 due to supply shortages.

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Story summary

South Korea is experiencing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), African swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture to raise the alert level to the highest category.
The quarantine period has been extended through March 2024, marking the second consecutive year of simultaneous outbreaks.
HPAI cases increased from 32 to 56 farms, while African swine fever reached a record 22 cases in over two months.
Over 9.8 million laying hens have been culled, leading to a projected 3.3% rise in pork prices by 2026 due to supply shortages.