Full Breakdown
South Korea Faces Simultaneous Livestock Epidemics and Rising Prices
3/17/2026, 6:29:26 PM
Current Outbreaks and Economic Impact
South Korea is experiencing simultaneous outbreaks of three significant livestock diseases: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), African swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on March 16, 2026, that all three diseases are at the highest alert level, prompting an extension of the special quarantine period through the end of March. This marks the second consecutive year that these diseases have emerged together, raising concerns among veterinary experts about the potential for supply disruptions and increased livestock prices.
Data indicates a worsening situation, with HPAI detected at 56 poultry farms during the 2025-2026 winter season, a notable increase from 32 cases in the previous season. African swine fever has also surged, with 22 cases confirmed in just over two months, nearly tripling the annual average of 7.9 cases recorded from 2019 to 2025. Additionally, three cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been reported in 2026. The outbreaks have already led to significant culling, with over 9.8 million laying hens culled this winter, the highest level in five years, and more than 150,000 pigs culled due to African swine fever.
Rising Prices of Livestock Products
The concurrent outbreaks have resulted in a sharp increase in livestock product prices. The Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation reported that the average retail price for 10 extra-large eggs reached 3,893 won in the second week of March, a rise of over 20 percent compared to the previous year. The culling of laying hens has drastically reduced egg production, leading to a forecasted 5.8 percent decline in daily egg production for March.
Prices for chicken meat and pork are also climbing. The average retail price for broilers increased by 7.6 percent from a year earlier, while wholesale pork prices are expected to rise by 3.3 percent in 2026. Beef prices have similarly surged, with tenderloin and sirloin prices increasing by 14.0 and 17.4 percent, respectively.
Official Responses and Measures
In response to the rising prices and supply issues, the South Korean government has implemented measures to stabilize the market, including importing fresh eggs from the United States. However, these efforts have not yet succeeded in curbing the escalating prices of livestock products.
Criticism and Concerns
Veterinary experts have expressed concerns about South Korea being the only Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country currently facing simultaneous outbreaks of these three diseases. The economic implications of these outbreaks are significant, as they threaten to disrupt international trade and local food supply chains.
Verbatim Quotes
As South Korea navigates these simultaneous livestock epidemics, the focus remains on managing the outbreaks and mitigating their economic impact on the agricultural sector.
