Since the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease a month ago, over 100 infection cases have been reported nationwide, but Jeongeup City, the largest cattle breeding area in Jeonbuk, has maintained zero infections through thorough quarantine measures.
According to Jeongeup City on the 22nd, since the occurrence of Lumpy Skin Disease in Seosan City, Chungnam Province on the 19th of last month, 107 cases have been reported in farms across 34 cities and counties nationwide.
In Jeonbuk Province, a total of 14 cases (12 in Gochang, 1 in Buan, and 1 in Imsil) occurred, making it the third highest number of affected farms nationwide, indicating a serious spread.
Jeongeup-si, the largest cattle breeding area in Jeonbuk, is maintaining zero infection cases through thorough quarantine measures. [Photo by Jeongeup-si]
In particular, Jeongeup has the largest cattle breeding scale among the 14 cities and counties in the province, which heightened the tension.
Accordingly, the city recognized the seriousness of the situation early in the Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak and united with about 1,700 livestock farmers to make every effort in initial containment and quarantine measures.
Also, with the active cooperation of livestock farmers, the first emergency vaccination was swiftly completed, and the cattle that received the first vaccination are now entering herd immunity. Due to these efforts, no infection cases have been reported in Jeongeup as of the 22nd.
The city plans to maintain a vigilant quarantine posture until the Lumpy Skin Disease situation is completely resolved.
First, until the end of November when blood-sucking insects such as flies and mosquitoes disappear, eight fogging disinfection vehicles will be deployed to continue disinfection. Along with this, two wide-area pest control machines and seven disinfection vehicles will patrol cattle farms to conduct disinfection, and additional disinfectants such as larvicides, quicklime, and citric acid-based agents will be supplied to livestock farms.
A city quarantine official stated, “Cattle that have been vaccinated may show symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease, but this is a natural reaction during the process of forming immunity. Symptoms disappear after about a week, so treatment should be sought from a public veterinarian only if symptoms are severe.”
Mayor Lee Hak-su said, “All livestock farmers have united as one to actively respond to this Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak, and so far no infection cases have occurred. Since the situation is not yet over, please maintain vigilance and thoroughly disinfect and deworm inside the barns until the serious stage is lifted.”
Jeongeup = Kim Jae-gil, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy baekok@asiae.co.kr
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