South Korea controls FMD outbreak

After an outbreak was announced 81 days ago, the Korean government slaughtered almost 6,000 livestock to fully contain hoof-and-mouth disease.

The outbreak shut down 83 livestock markets for the past three months and caused roughly US$37.4 million in damages.

Before the country can export cattle, hog and dairy products to other nations, the World Organization of Animal Health must re-designate Korea as a "clean country". The Agriculture Ministry expects the process to start in June and could be completed as early as September.

Now that the outbreak is contained, the government plans to require livestock farmers to hold a related diploma or take hours of training to obtain a license.

Producers and others involved in triggering major outbreaks due to a lack of proper facilities will be banned from raising livestock for a period of time.