The Korean Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, which first began in November has spread across the country. To date, in excess of 668,000 animals have been culled in more than 80 confirmed cases of FMD. This represents almost 45% of the reported 1.5 million cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and deer raised in the country and equates to over $393 million in losses.
The disease is spreading much faster than anticipated and government officials have begun implementing a vaccination strategy to slow the spread. Officials have already vaccinated more than 1.2 million animals throughout the country except Jeju island. 172,348 quarantine personnel are manning 1,391 checkpoints in key areas across the country to enforce movement restrictions.
Officials have speculated that people movements between farms, including veterinarians, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the disease. This should serve as a reminder to everyone that works around livestock and travels between farms. If you see something suspicious contact state or federal animal health officials and practice good biosecurity procedures when moving from farm to farm.