June 8, 2010

South Korea detects FMD antibodies in wild boar farm

South Korea said Sunday that it detected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) antibodies at a wild boar farm in the central part of the country five days after a similar case was reported in the region.

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MFAFF) said it is looking to see if antigens of the disease are present in the animals at the farm in Cheongyang, 160 kilometres south of Seoul.

It said the latest case cannot be classified as a new outbreak of the highly contagious animal disease until antigens are discovered. A more detailed analysis of the infected animals will be released today.

Of the 45 boars raised on the farm, nine have tested positive for antibodies, which indicates that the animals were exposed to the highly contagious disease, but have not developed any noticeable symptoms.

On-site inspectors, however, have ordered the culling of all animals on the farm as a precautionary measure.

FMD affects all cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, deer, goats and buffalo.

The latest discovery, meanwhile, is expected to delay lifting of animal movement restrictions in the Cheongyang area by several weeks, and will also postpone Seoul reporting that it is "clear" of the disease to the Paris-based World Organization for Animal Health.

A country must be recognised as being clear of the disease to resume exports of its meat products.

Farm ministry officials plan to conduct more tests on animals in the area in the coming weeks.

Since early April, South Korea has confirmed a total of 11 cases of FMD, and culled and buried more than 49,000 animals to prevent its spread. The last outbreak was confirmed on May 7.