December 30, 2010

South Korea elevates FMD alert level

After South Korea culled and buried 480,000 pigs, sheep and cattle, and vaccinated livestock to contain a fast-spreading outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease, it has increased the alert of the disease to the highest level.

The disease has caused the authorities to close all livestock markets in the country, leading to an increase in the wholesale price of beef and pork and a possible rise in exports from the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Only small volume of meat is traded online or through the telephone.

"The disease is rapidly spreading in several regions simultaneously, and we are concerned of a possible spreading to unaffected areas," said the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Wednesday (Dec 29).

It said that the government increased the alert of watch to seriousness, the highest level, and a central disaster centre led by Agriculture Minister, Yoo Jeong-bok, would be established.

The outbreak of foot-and-mouth, which affects livestock including sheep, cows and pigs, originated in pigs in the southeastern city of Andong in North Gyeongsang province on November 28.

The disease and meat from infected animals are not harmful to humans. The number of the outbreak reports has soared to 88 cases, and 60 cases were confirmed, the ministry said.

South Korea has been conducting vaccination in badly affected areas in addition to culling and burying.