Cow Virus 'Lumpy Skin Disease' Emergency... Prime Minister Urges "Thorough Initial Quarantine Measures"

Confirmed Cases Reported in Dangjin and Pyeongtaek Following Previous Day in Seosan, Chungnam

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo instructed thorough quarantine measures on the 21st as confirmed cases of the viral cattle disease 'Lumpy Skin Disease' continued to emerge domestically.

The Prime Minister's Office reported that Han directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to "closely cooperate with local governments and ensure thorough initial quarantine measures such as culling of livestock at affected farms, movement control, inspection, and disinfection according to the emergency action guidelines."

Furthermore, since Lumpy Skin Disease has occurred for the first time in the country, Prime Minister Han also ordered a prompt epidemiological investigation to quickly identify the cause of transmission and rapid vaccination with the secured vaccines.

He also instructed strict implementation of on-site quarantine measures such as setting quarantine zones near affected farms, installing control posts and key disinfection facilities, controlling mosquitoes and blood-sucking insects around farms, and temporarily suspending movement. The temporary movement suspension is a measure to restrict the movement of livestock, livestock workers, and related vehicles to prevent the spread of the livestock infectious disease nationwide. It was issued from 2 p.m. the previous day for 48 hours. Prime Minister Han urged related ministries, agencies, and local governments to actively cooperate in implementing quarantine measures.

The first confirmed case of Lumpy Skin Disease was reported yesterday at a Hanwoo farm in Seosan City, Chungnam Province. On the same day, additional cases were reported in Pyeongtaek and Dangjin, Chungnam, continuing confirmed cases in three locations over two days.

Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease that infects only cattle through blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes, causing high fever and skin nodules (hard lumps) measuring 2 to 5 cm in diameter. It also leads to reduced milk production, miscarriages, and infertility in cattle. Due to the significant economic damage it can cause to farms if it spreads, it is designated as a Class 1 livestock infectious disease in Korea.

The mortality rate is known to be below 10%.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to vaccinate cattle raised within a 10 km quarantine zone around affected farms. By region, about 20,000 cattle in Chungnam and about 33,000 cattle in Gyeonggi will be vaccinated.

An official from the Ministry urged, "Farmers should carry out parasite control such as insecticide spraying and disinfect farms and surrounding areas," and "If suspicious livestock are found, report immediately to the livestock quarantine officer."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.