Two FMD Outbreaks in Korean Cattle
SOUTH KOREA - The South Korean veterinary authorities have reported two outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle.The OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) reports that the first outbreak occured on 19 April at a farm in Gimpo City. One case was reported, while 120 animals showed signs of susceptibility to the disease. All susceptible animals were destroyed. A farmer in Gimpo first found a suspicious case which had anorexia and vesicles in teats and reported it to the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) on 19 April. The NVRQS affirmed that the cattle were infected with FMD virus by PCR and ELISA on 20 April. All cloven-hoofed animals within a radius of 500m from the affected farm were culled.
The second outbreak took place in Ganghwa County. Two cases were reported, and 19 showed susceptibility to the disease. All 19 animals were destroyed. A farmer in Ganghwa found a suspicious case and reported it to the local government. The NVRQS affirmed that the cattle were infected with FMD virus by PCR and ELISA on 22 April.
The source of the outbreak is still unknown.