Muan County Launches All-Out Effort to Block Foot-and-Mouth Disease Influx

Temporary Standstill Order for Livestock Workers and Vehicles

Muan County, Jeonnam (Governor Kim San) announced on the 14th that it will make every effort to prevent the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) into the county following an outbreak at a Hanwoo farm in Yeongam County on the 13th.

Deputy Governor Jung Hyeongu attended an emergency video conference held by the Central Accident Management Headquarters and Jeollanam-do on the morning of the 14th to share the FMD response status and discuss cooperation measures for a swift initial response.

With the confirmation of FMD, the crisis management level for FMD in Yeongam County and seven neighboring cities and counties (Gangjin, Naju, Mokpo, Muan, Jangheung, Haenam, Hwasun) has been raised to the highest alert. A 48-hour standstill order for all livestock industry workers and vehicles nationwide was issued from 8 a.m. on the 14th.

Hyunkoo Jung, Deputy Governor of Muan County, is presiding over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting at the County Office Disaster and Safety Situation Room. Provided by Muan County

The county has temporarily closed the Illo livestock market until the situation is resolved, activated a 24-hour emergency response system, set up a hotline for reporting suspected cases, and strengthened the operation of disinfection facilities. Emergency FMD vaccinations are also scheduled to be completed by the 31st.

The county also requested active cooperation for quarantine measures from the heads of the Mokpo-Muan-Shinan Livestock Cooperative and related livestock producer organizations, and sent text messages to livestock farmers urging strict compliance with the standstill order, mass vaccination, and thorough disinfection of livestock facilities.

Governor Kim San stated, "With the occurrence of FMD in Jeonnam, which had been an FMD-free area since 2002, implementing strict quarantine measures is essential for a stable livestock industry." He urged, "Farmers themselves must ensure thorough vaccination, regular disinfection of livestock facilities, and continuous clinical observation to maintain airtight quarantine measures."