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Minister confirms presence of ASF in South Korea
South Korea’s agriculture minister confirmed the presence of ASF at a pig farm in Paju.

South Korea is home to more than 11 million pigs

African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in South Korea for the first time.

The news follows an admission from farming minister George Eustice that the disease could spread to the UK within a year.

On Tuesday, South Korea’s agriculture minister confirmed the presence of ASF at a pig farm in Paju, near the border of North Korea. He said that the farm reported its first case of the virus in May.

According to the National Pig Association (NPA), Kim Hyeon-soo told reporters some 4,000 pigs would be culled to prevent the spread of the virus, adding that the animal disease alert level would be raised to maximum.

“We will make all efforts to stop the spread of African swine fever through swift disinfection measures,” he said.

The ministry is also reported to have ordered a nationwide ban on the movement of pigs and related livestock while it looks into the source of the virus.

Since ASF was first detected in China in August 2018, it has affected Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Hong Kong, North Korea and the Philippines.

South Korea is home to more than 11 million pigs, and pork is the country’s most popular meat. According to the agriculture ministry data, 27kg of pork was consumed per person in 2018.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.