Seoul, October 26 (IANS). Another case of lumpy skin disease (LSD) has been reported in South Korea, bringing the total number of cases this year to 14. The Agriculture Ministry gave this information on Saturday.
The new case was found at a cattle farm in Mankyong, about 140 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The ministry has imposed a 24-hour ban for all associated people and vehicles in the farm and its surrounding six areas.
On Friday also, three more cases were reported in South Korea. The government said that all available sanitization vehicles will be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
LSD is an infectious disease that causes symptoms such as skin rash, fever, loss of appetite and decline in milk production in cows and buffaloes. In severe cases it can even lead to death. This disease is spread by mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects.
Additionally, isolated cases of LSD have also been found in Inje, 118 kilometers east of the capital Seoul, and Dangjin, 80 kilometers south.
Officials said the affected farm has been sealed and quarantine measures have been implemented to prevent infection. The Agriculture Ministry has directed all provinces to remain alert and complete vaccination of all cows by the end of this month.
The first case of LSD was reported in South Korea in August this year, which was found in a farm in Anseong, 65 kilometers south of Seoul, where there were 80 cows. This was the first time since November last year that a case of LSD was found in South Korea.
The ministry also said that they plan to develop a genetic diagnostic kit by 2025 that can identify infected cows and isolate only the sick animals, rather than destroying the entire herd.
–IANS
AS/
