South Korea Sees Increase in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Cases to Eight
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 18, South Korea's agriculture ministry reported an increase in foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) cases at local cattle farms, with the total rising to eight in 2023. The outbreak has prompted the government to initiate an emergency response and vaccination program.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea reports a total of eight FMD cases this year.
- Recent infections found in Yeongam county.
- Culling of infected cattle is planned.
- Government has raised crisis level to serious.
- Nationwide vaccination program initiated.
Seoul, March 18 (NationPress) South Korea has confirmed an additional case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at local cattle farms, bringing the total number of instances this year to eight, according to the agriculture ministry.
The recent case was identified at three beef cattle farms located in Yeongam county, approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul, where 12 cows tested positive for the disease, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Yonhap news agency.
These farms are situated near a local farm that experienced this year's first FMD outbreak last week, marking the first occurrence in nearly two years. The ministry indicated that the infected cattle will be culled and that other essential quarantine measures are in place.
In response to the initial outbreak, the government has elevated the crisis level for Yeongam and several surrounding areas to “serious,” the most severe category in its four-tier system. A nationwide FMD vaccination program, originally scheduled for next month, has also been initiated.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cows, pigs, goats, and various other cloven-hoofed animals, but it does not pose any threat to humans.
This latest outbreak follows a two-year hiatus, with the last reported FMD cases occurring in May 2023.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has instructed relevant ministries to enforce stringent preventive measures to control the outbreak promptly.
"The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs must collaborate closely with relevant agencies to carry out emergency actions swiftly, including rapid culling, entry controls, testing, and disinfection in line with the emergency response guidelines," Choi stated.
Earlier in January, South Korea imposed an import ban on German pork due to an outbreak of the highly transmissible FMD in the European nation, as reported by Yonhap.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs made this decision following Germany's report of its first FMD case since 1988.
