Foot-and-mouth disease detected in Yecheon after 11 years; 14 pigs and 24 cattle infected

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been detected at a livestock farm in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, marking the first outbreak in the region in 11 years. The confirmation comes after 14 pigs and 24 cattle tested positive for the FMD virus.

South Korea's North Gyeongsang Province, a major agricultural hub, is implementing high-level quarantine measures to contain the disease. The provincial government confirmed the positive cases on July 3, stating that FMD had not been seen in the province since 2015.

Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected farm, with all access strictly controlled. The province has raised its FMD alert level to "severe" in Yecheon and six neighboring cities and counties, Andong, Yeongju, Sangju, Mungyeong, Uiseong, and Danyang in North Chungcheong Province. A "caution" alert is in effect for other regions.

Authorities have also imposed a 48-hour standstill order on all cloven-hoofed animals, related workers, and livestock vehicles starting from 10 a.m. on July 3. This is accompanied by emergency vaccinations for all susceptible animals. North Gyeongsang Province is the largest livestock-producing region in South Korea, with the highest number of cattle and the fourth-highest number of pigs nationwide.

Park Chan-guk, head of the North Gyeongsang Province Livestock and Fisheries Bureau, urged livestock farmers in Yecheon and nearby areas to ensure complete vaccinations, maintain strict disinfection protocols, and prevent external access to farms. He stressed the importance of immediate reporting of any suspected symptoms.

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Livestock farmers in Yecheon and adjacent cities and counties must ensure complete emergency vaccinations and maintain the highest level of quarantine measures, including thorough disinfection inside and outside the farm and prohibiting the entry of outsiders and vehicles. You must report immediately if you discover any suspicious symptoms.