According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Seoul, on March 14, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea (MAFRA) confirmed a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) at a local livestock farm, marking the first outbreak in nearly two years since the last case was recorded in May 2023.
Quarantine officers spray disinfectant at a cattle farm in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, after detecting a case of foot-and-mouth disease on March 14, 2025. Photo: Yonhap
Quarantine officers spray disinfectant at a cattle farm in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, after detecting a case of foot-and-mouth disease on March 14, 2025. Photo: Yonhap
The statement from MAFRA confirmed that the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case was detected at a beef cattle farm in Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province, approximately 300 km south of Seoul. All 180 cows at the farm will be culled to prevent the spread of the disease.
MAFRA has also issued an order to shut down all livestock farms and related facilities nationwide until 8:00 AM on March 16, while conducting intensive quarantine measures in Yeongam and neighboring cities.
According to MAFRA, FMD is an acute infectious disease caused by a virus that affects livestock. Infected animals typically exhibit symptoms such as blisters, mainly in the mouth, feet, and hands, along with fever. It is one of the most common infectious diseases in livestock.
Truong Giang
Source: Vietnam News Agency (VNA)