S. Korea tightens border inspections after Beijing FMD outbreak

animal outbreak-border control


SEOUL, Jan. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea tightened quarantine inspections at all
international airports and harbors following the confirmed outbreak of
foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease in Beijing, the government said Monday.

The farm ministry said it has increased the number of quarantine inspectors on
duty from 77 to 94 and doubled the number of random checks for imported dried
grass at international ports after Chinese authorities said cattle on a farm in
the capital city contracted FMD.
The exact reason why South Korea is being hit by its first FMD outbreak in eight
years has not been determined, but some government officials claim it could have
been started by people visiting from foreign countries or through imported feed.
The first outbreak was confirmed Jan. 7, with a total of five outbreaks being
confirmed so far.
FMD affects all cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, hogs, deer and goats,
causing blisters on the feet and mouth of livestock and sometimes death. It can
be spread via air, feed and imported farm products that have not been sterilized.
Humans, though not affected by the disease, can be carriers.
In addition, the ministry said it will increase the number of decontamination
foot mats placed at airports from the current two to five.
It said visitors going abroad should take special care not to bring in farm
products or meat that can transmit the FMD virus.
Seoul has culled and buried over 3,500 animals this year. The country was also
hit by the disease in 2000 and 2002.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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