Having been farming in the UK during the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak I understand first hand the impact of this dreadful animal disease for livestock and the economy at large. The FAO Media Centre has urged heightened international surveillance against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) following three recent incursions in Japan and South Korea.
In April Japanese veterinary authorities "confirmed an outbreak of type “O” FMD virus, currently more common in Asian countries where FMD is endemic. The Republic of Korea was hit by the rarer type “A” FMD in January and then suffered type “O” infection in April.
So far Japan has had to slaughter 385 animals – buffaloes, cattle and pigs – in its initial response to the outbreak and the Republic of Korea has destroyed more than 3 500 animals, mostly pigs, in responding to its outbreaks". Follow the link to read the full report.
In April Japanese veterinary authorities "confirmed an outbreak of type “O” FMD virus, currently more common in Asian countries where FMD is endemic. The Republic of Korea was hit by the rarer type “A” FMD in January and then suffered type “O” infection in April.
So far Japan has had to slaughter 385 animals – buffaloes, cattle and pigs – in its initial response to the outbreak and the Republic of Korea has destroyed more than 3 500 animals, mostly pigs, in responding to its outbreaks". Follow the link to read the full report.
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