South Korea has lifted its ban on live hog imports from North America imposed in April out of fear surrounding the H1N1 viral outbreak, Reuters reported.

South Korea's agricultural ministry issued a statement Tuesday saying it would allow imports of live hogs from the United States, Canada and Mexico to resume with stepped-up quarantine checks.

Live hog imports from the North American countries amounted to 1,562 last year before falling to 102 this year, according to Reuters.

The H1N1 virus was initially dubbed "swine flu" causing global panic and confusion even though it is a distinct human virus that has not been transmitted to humans by swine or by the consumption of pork products.

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