South Korea (03): (North Chungcheong) cattle, goat, spread, source

Date: Wed 17 May 2023
Source: KBS World [edited]
https://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=e&Seq_Code=177856


The government believes the latest cases of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] afflicting livestock in the country since 10 May [2023] originated from Southeast Asia.

The agriculture ministry said on Wednesday [17 May 2023] that an analysis of the virus strain from the latest cases was found to be 98.9% similar to the virus detected in Viet Nam, Cambodia, and other parts of the region.

While the entry route of the virus has yet to be confirmed, the ministry said that a related epidemiological study is underway.

Officials downplayed the chance of a nationwide transmission, as 98.2% of farm-bred cattle have been vaccinated and have formed antibodies.

Cattle movement in the affected regions of the central Chungcheong city of Cheongju, county of Jeungpyeong, and 7 nearby cities and counties have been banned for 2 weeks through 30 May [2023].

Authorities will also reinforce inspections of livestock products entering the country from Southeast Asia and other regions reporting the disease.

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Date: Wed 17 May 2023
Source: BNN Network [edited]
https://bnn.network/breaking-news/health/south-korea-races-against-foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreak-expedites-vaccinations-at-local-farms/


South Korea is taking swift action to combat the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) by intensifying its vaccination efforts at local farms. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on Wednesday [17 May 2023] that it aims to complete the vaccinations by the end of this week. This proactive measure is crucial in preventing the further spread of the highly contagious disease, which has already affected several farms across the country.

Since the initial report of the FMD outbreak in Cheongju, located 112 km [70 mi] south of Seoul, South Korea has confirmed a total of 10 [outbreaks]. The affected farms include 9 cattle farms and one goat farm. In response, the ministry has implemented a transportation ban for cattle in 7 regions, including Cheongju, Jeungpyeong, Daejeon, and Sejong, which will remain in effect until 30 May [2023].

The comprehensive vaccination campaign launched by South Korea aims to protect cloven-hoofed animals such as pigs, sheep, and deer from the FMD virus. This disease is notorious for its rapid spread among livestock, making prompt immunization a top priority. By completing the vaccinations in the 7 affected regions by Wednesday [17 May 2023], the government hopes to curb the further transmission of the disease and minimize its impact on the country's agricultural sector.

Authorities suspect that the latest outbreak of FMD may have originated from abroad. Despite the potential foreign source, South Korea's current vaccine stock is proven to be effective against the infection. The ministry remains vigilant in its efforts to monitor the situation closely and identify the root cause of the outbreak. By determining the source, they can implement necessary preventive measures to avoid future occurrences and protect the country's livestock industry.

[Byline: Ravichandran Devendran]

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