Seoul: South Korea has confirmed its first case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in nearly two years, with an outbreak reported at a local cattle farm in Yeongam, located about 300 kilometers south of Seoul. The farm, which houses around 180 beef cattle, was the site of the discovery, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.
The last FMD cases in the country were reported in May 2023. To prevent the spread of the disease, which affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, and goats, all cattle at the affected farm will be culled. The ministry has also imposed a standstill order on all animal farms and related facilities nationwide until 8 a.m. Sunday and has begun intensive quarantine measures in Yeongam and surrounding areas.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has instructed relevant authorities to take swift and thorough actions to contain the outbreak. The Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with other agencies to carry out emergency responses, including culling, testing, and disinfection, in line with emergency guidelines.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever and the development of sores in the mouth and on the feet of livestock. In January, South Korea also imposed a ban on pork imports from Germany after FMD was detected there for the first time since 1988.