South Korea tightens measures to stem spread of FMD

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MFAFF) said after a national policy management meeting chaired by the prime minister that all livestock and movement of people in areas affected by the FMD outbreak are being strictly regulated by local officials.

MFAFF also said inspections have been strengthened at international airports and harbours to keep out meat and animal products that may have been responsible for the latest outbreak.

The ministry said that while the government will do its part to find suspected cases and take preventative measures, individual farmers must report any sign of sick livestock and take responsibility for decontaminating their animals.

Farm Minister Chang Tae-pyong, meanwhile, said Seoul will fully compensate farmers who have to cull and bury animals.

Chang said for farms that have been barred from selling animals due to the FMD outbreak, the government will take steps to purchase them. Many farms near affected areas are currently not allowed to sell their animals for fear that doing so could spread the disease.

Seoul confirmed its first FMD outbreak in eight years at a dairy farm in Pocheon last week. It reported a second outbreak yesterday at a nearby farm. The number of animals culled and buried so far has reached 2,981 across 30 farms.

FMD affects all cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs and goats, causing blisters on the feet and mouth of livestock and sometimes leading to death. It can be spread through air, feed and by the import of farm products that have not been sterilised.