EcoLocalizer

A confirmed outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in South Korea, has prompted officials to quarantine and slaughter animals to control the spread of the highly contagious viral disease.

According to reports, six out of 185 dairy cattle at a farm located north of Seoul, have tested positive for FMD. According to Lee Chang-Buhm, Ministry’s Livestock Bureau Director, “All animals with cloven hooves found within a radius of 500 meters from the affected farm, will be immediately culled.” 

An estimated 1,500 hogs, 346 dairy cows, 30 deer and 12 goats within a .3 mile radius of the site,  will be killed.  Animals in the area have been quarantined and the area has been disinfected.  Exportation of the cloven-hoofed animals will also be suspended.

 

Foot and Mouth Disease

Although FMD is rare in humans, the highly-contagious virus is often fatal to animals with hooves.  Caused by the Aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae, affected animals develop fever and blister-like lesions on the mouth, tongue, lips, feet and teats.  An outbreak can result in large loss of livestock and wildlife. 

While some animals recover, many are left in a debilitated condition. Chronic lameness, secondary infections and diminished milk yields can occur.   The virus can be spread from other animals, contaminated feed and water.  And people and contaminated materials can also spread the virus via contaminated shoes, clothing, farm equipment and vehicles!  FMD can also be spread from farm to farm by the wind. Nearly 100 percent of animals exposed to FMD become infected.  South Korea had FMD outbreaks in 2000 and 2002.

 There are several known serotypes of FMD. While vaccines are available for FMD, the vaccine must be matched to the specific type and subtype of the virus to ensure effectiveness.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, only a few human cases of the virus have ever been documented.  FMD is not spread from person-to-person or through food.  People afflicted with FMD all had direct contact with infected animals.

Dairy Cattle photo USDA
Goats on Mountain photo Fir0002

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