(Changnyeong=Yonhap News) Reporters Lee Jeong-hoon and Kim Dong-min = The Gyeongnam Province announced on the 4th that it will cull 3,900 pigs in Changnyeong County due to an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). The province will swiftly bury 2,400 pigs from the confirmed ASF farm, and 1,500 pigs from a farm located within 500 meters of the confirmed farm. The farmer reported to the quarantine authorities after the pigs continued to die over the past two to three days. The Central Task Force for African Swine Fever (hereinafter referred to as the Central Task Force) notified the confirmation of African swine fever at dawn on the 4th. The Central Task Force ordered a 24-hour suspension of pig movement and the prohibition of pig manure transport in six counties and cities adjacent to or near Changnyeong County, including Changwon City, Milyang City, Hapcheon County, Uiryeong County, and Haman County in Gyeongnam Province, as well as Cheongdo County, Goryeong County, and Daegu City in Gyeongbuk Province. At the same time, an epidemiological investigation team was deployed to identify the route of infection. The province deployed a quarantine team to control access to the affected farms, and set up checkpoints on major roads. Changnyeong County held an emergency situation assessment meeting chaired by County Mayor Seong on the same day at the county office to discuss response measures. The county has designated 14 farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm as quarantine areas, and is conducting movement restrictions and thorough inspections, with plans to complete the culling by the 5th. A field command center has also been set up at the affected farm. County Mayor Seong said, "Given the rapid spread of African swine fever, early response is most important," and added, "We will mobilize all administrative capabilities to focus on quarantine response to prevent further outbreaks." African swine fever first occurred in South Korea in 2019. Starting with the first occurrence in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province in September 2019, a total of 62 cases have occurred so far, including seven this year. This is the first time African swine fever has occurred in Changnyeong County in Gyeongnam Province. The Central Task Force raised the alert level for African swine fever across all regions to 'serious' in November last year. African swine fever is a viral pig infectious disease with a mortality rate close to 100% upon infection, and there is currently no vaccine or treatment.