Jeonnam Recovers from Foot-and-Mouth Disease... Livestock Markets to Reopen Sequentially from the 28th

Priority Reopening for "Caution" Level Cities and Counties
Yeongam and Muan Initially Excluded from the Plan
"Serious" Level Cities and Counties to Reopen from May 5
Disinfection and Quarantine Measures to Continue

Jeollanam-do plans to sequentially reopen livestock markets by region based on risk levels starting from the 28th, following a suspension of transactions due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province has announced plans to sequentially reopen livestock markets by region, based on risk levels, starting from the 28th. This decision comes as prolonged closures since March 14 due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease have caused significant damage to local farms.

Accordingly, livestock markets in seven cities and counties at the "caution" level?Suncheon, Damyang, Gokseong, Goheung, Boseong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong?will reopen on the 28th. However, cattle from Yeongam and Muan, where foot-and-mouth disease has occurred, as well as from the eight cities and counties at the "serious" level (Naju, Hwasun, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Mokpo, Hampyeong, and Shinan), will not be allowed to be traded in the livestock markets.

Starting May 5, livestock markets in the regions at the "serious" level are also scheduled to reopen. Still, cattle from Yeongam and Muan, where foot-and-mouth disease has been detected, will remain restricted from trading.

The two livestock markets located in Yeongam and Muan, where the outbreaks occurred, are situated within the affected areas. Their reopening will be considered only after all movement restrictions within the 3-kilometer quarantine zones have been fully lifted.

In line with the reopening of livestock markets, Jeonnam Province has strengthened its quarantine measures. All people and vehicles visiting livestock markets must be disinfected at designated disinfection facilities, and every vehicle entering the markets must undergo additional internal and external disinfection.

Veterinarians will be stationed at the entrances of livestock markets to conduct clinical inspections. Footbaths for disinfection will be placed at all major entrances, and thorough cleaning, washing, and disinfection will be carried out after market operations conclude.

By April 4, Jeonnam Province had already completed cleaning, washing, and disinfection of all livestock markets, and plans to carry out additional disinfection before reopening.

Park Hyunsik, Director of Agriculture, Livestock and Food at Jeonnam Province, requested, "Please ensure that cattle from 'serious' level cities and counties do not enter livestock markets in 'caution' level areas when they reopen," and urged, "We ask for active cooperation with strengthened quarantine measures, including the disinfection of all vehicles visiting livestock markets."