Mass Vaccination of Lumpy Skin Disease in Risk Areas and Nationwide Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines...Fines and Booster Shots for Farms Below Antibody Formation Rate

The government is conducting vaccination to prevent the recurrence of Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Vaccinations will be completed by the end of this month, and farms that do not meet the antibody formation rate standards next month will be fined and receive booster vaccinations.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 18th that Kwon Jae-han, Director of the Agricultural Innovation Policy Office, visited Dangjin City Hall to check the progress of Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccinations in Chungnam Province and Dangjin City, as well as the distribution and supply status of vaccines. He also visited livestock farms undergoing vaccination to meet with farm owners, public veterinarians, and other field personnel to encourage them and listen to their difficulties.

At the meeting, quarantine officials from Chungnam Province and Dangjin City reported on the progress of Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccinations, the organization and operation of vaccination support teams, the status of farm biosecurity measures, and plans to minimize side effects from simultaneous vaccinations.

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In the case of Lumpy Skin Disease, since its first occurrence in domestic cattle last year, vaccinations are being carried out on 1.29 million cattle in 40 cities and counties, including high-risk areas identified through risk assessment and regions where outbreaks occurred in 2023. Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccinations are being conducted nationwide targeting 4.36 million cattle and goats. There were a total of 107 cases of Lumpy Skin Disease from October 19 to November 20 last year, and 11 cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease between May 10 and 18 last year.

Director Kwon stated, "Please organize and operate adequate personnel to prevent injuries and ensure proper vaccination during the vaccination process," and added, "To address concerns about side effects raised during last year's vaccination process, please implement meticulous quarantine management, including correct vaccination methods, postponement of vaccination for cattle in late pregnancy, and timely provision of stress-relief agents."

He continued, "During last year's Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak, bold quarantine measures and rapid vaccination stabilized the situation in about a month, minimizing damage to livestock farms; however, the situation is still not safe," emphasizing once again, "To prevent recurrence of Lumpy Skin Disease, please complete vaccinations within the deadline following proper vaccination guidelines."

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to complete vaccinations by the end of this month and, considering that it takes about 2 to 4 weeks for Foot-and-Mouth Disease antibodies (immunity) to form, will conduct serological tests from May 1 to 31. Farms that do not meet the antibody formation rate standards (80% or more for cattle, 60% or more for goats) will be strictly fined and receive booster vaccinations.