South Korea is facing a prolonged outbreak of three major livestock diseases—African Swine Fever (ASF), Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and Foot-and-Mouth Disease—pushing food prices higher and raising concerns about weaknesses in the country’s animal disease control system.
Prices for livestock products rose about 6% year over year in February, as supply disruptions spread across poultry, pork and beef markets. Retail prices for staples such as pork and eggs have climbed steadily, while some beef cuts have surged even more sharply.
Veterinary experts say South Korea has now experienced simultaneous outbreaks of the three major livestock diseases for the second consecutive year, an unusual situation among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Some specialists warn the pattern suggests gaps in the country’s biosecurity system.
Egg prices have been among the most affected. The average retail price for 10 large eggs reached about $2.90, up more than 20% from a year earlier, bringing the cost of a single egg close to 30 cents. A carton of 30 eggs averaged about $5.10, roughly 8% higher than a year earlier.
The increase is largely tied to a prolonged outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza that has continued for about six months. During the 2025–2026 winter season, authorities confirmed 56 infections at poultry farms, the highest in several years.
More cases have appeared across multiple regions, including a recent outbreak at a farm raising about 45,000 laying hens. Authorities have culled more than 9.8 million egg-laying chickens during the current outbreak, the highest level in roughly five years. Researchers estimate daily egg production will fall to about 47.5 million eggs this month, a 5.8% decline from a year earlier.
Pork prices are also rising as African swine fever spreads. The country has recorded 22 ASF outbreaks this year, already exceeding the combined total of the previous two years.
More than 150,000 pigs have been culled so far this year—more than four times last year’s total. Slaughter volumes have also declined, with the number of pigs processed in February dropping more than 15% from a year earlier. Analysts expect average wholesale pork prices in the first half of the year to reach roughly $1.85 to $1.92 per pound, up about 3% from last year.
The geographic spread of ASF has widened as well. Previously concentrated near border regions affected by infected wild boars, the disease has now appeared in farms across several central and southern provinces, eliminating areas once considered relatively safe.
Beef prices are also climbing. Retail prices for premium Korean beef cuts have risen by double digits over the past year, with some brisket prices increasing more than 20%. Analysts expect about 862,000 cattle to be slaughtered this year, down around 9% from last year, pushing wholesale beef prices to roughly $7.00 per pound.
Foot-and-mouth disease cases have also reappeared at cattle farms this year after outbreaks last year, complicating efforts to expand beef exports. Many export markets require strict disease-free certification.
Experts say incomplete vaccination coverage may be contributing to recurring infections, with antibody levels at several affected farms significantly below the national average.
Veterinary researchers warn that overlapping outbreaks of multiple livestock diseases could continue to disrupt food supplies unless the country strengthens biosecurity and disease-control systems.
