Rise in lumpy skin disease cases in Korea, over 600 cattle culled

A cow is vaccinated against lumpy skin disease at a farm in Seosan, South Chungcheong, on Monday amid growing concerns over the nationwide spread of the viral disease that affects cattle. [YONHAP]

Korea reported a total of 17 confirmed cases of lumpy skin disease, a bovine viral illness, as of 5 p.m. Monday since its initial detection last Friday.

It marks the first-ever appearance of the disease in Korea, prompting worries over an increase in beef and milk prices.

"The number of confirmed cases has now reached 14 [since rising to 17], with 638 cattle culled," said Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Chung Hwang-keun during the National Assembly's audit of the agriculture committee Monday morning, adding, "we expect further confirmed cases [until antibodies for the vaccine are formed]."

The disease has been confirmed in provinces across Gyeonggi, North and South Chungcheong.

Lumpy skin disease is a viral ailment transmitted by blood-sucking insects, causing symptoms like fever and skin nodules in infected animals. Although it does not pose a risk to humans, it affects cattle, leading to product quality issues such as reduced milk production, impaired reproductive functions and skin lesions. In Korea, it is classified as a Class 1 infectious animal disease.

Health authorities have implemented control over the entry and exit of external individuals, livestock and vehicles in those farms with confirmed cases. Cattle in rearing are being culled in the affected farms.

The government plans to import an additional 1.7 million doses of vaccine by early next month to prepare for potential further disease spread.

In response to the disease's spread, movement restrictions and the culling of cattle in affected farms are expected to lead to temporary increases in beef and milk prices, the government said.

"While there may be a temporary rise in Hanwoo (Korean beef) prices, the increase is expected to be limited due to an 8.6 percent increase in the number of cattle raised compared to the average year [ensuring sufficient supply]," the food and agriculture ministry explained.

Furthermore, due to the specific pricing mechanisms in the oil and milk industries, no significant price fluctuations are anticipated. Oil prices are determined based on various factors, including production costs, rather than being solely dependent on market demand and supply.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]