S. Korea completes vaccinations of animals vs foot-and-mouth disease

S. Korea completes vaccinations of animals vs foot-and-mouth disease

/ 06:13 PM February 03, 2019

A cattle market in Cheongju stands empty on Friday, amid the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. (Yonhap)

SEOUL — The government has completed emergency vaccinations of cows and pigs nationwide to prevent further spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) during the Lunar New Year’s holiday, officials said Sunday.

Authorities have also culled more than 2,000 cows, the most in eight years, as they are ramping up quarantine efforts following two confirmed cases last week.

Article continues after this advertisement

The agriculture ministry said that it has completed vaccinations of 1,340 cows and pigs nationwide and disinfected around 86,000 farms and related facilities.

FEATURED STORIES

“It takes time for antibodies to form despite the vaccinations,” Agriculture Minister Lee Gae-ho said. “I ask provincial governments and quarantine officials to mobilize all available sources to focus on disinfection during the holiday.”

Last week, the government called for cooperation in curbing the spread of FMD, with millions of people expected to travel nationwide for the Lunar New Year’s holiday.

Article continues after this advertisement

The government raised its alert level against the disease last week.

Article continues after this advertisement

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon asked the people on Thursday to help eradicate the animal disease at an early date. He also urged them to stay away from affected farms and nearby areas during the holiday. 

Yonhap

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Animals, Asia, Public Health, South korea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.