South Korea expands livestock disease diagnostic capabilities

South Korea is expanding its diagnostic capabilities for major livestock diseases to improve rapid response and quarantine efficiency.

The Gyeonggi Northern Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory has been designated by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency as a specialized diagnostic institution for avian influenza (AI). This follows its previous designation for African Swine Fever (ASF) in April. By conducting direct testing locally, the laboratory will reduce the time required to transport samples to distant facilities in Suwon or Gimcheon, thereby accelerating the process from diagnosis to initial quarantine measures.

Simultaneously, the authority to perform Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) precision testing is being expanded nationwide. Previously limited to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and two regional laboratories, testing capabilities have now been transferred to 11 additional provincial animal hygiene testing laboratories, bringing the total to 13. This expansion aims to alleviate the testing burden on central authorities and ensure faster responses to suspected cases in livestock and environmental samples.