Gov't rolls out pest control program to contain lumpy skin disease

A cow is being vaccinated at a farm in Pohang, North Gyeongsang, on Wednesday. [NEWS1]

Agricultural authorities launched a nationwide pest control campaign against blood-feeding insects amid mounting concerns over the spread of lumpy skin disease among cattle, officials said Wednesday.

The campaign will run through Nov. 10. It is devised as mosquitoes or other insects that were transported by air current or ships may have been responsible for the country's first-ever outbreak of the viral infection on Oct. 20.

Korea has confirmed 70 cases of the disease as of Wednesday, including three from the previous day. Authorities are looking into four suspected cases as well.

The government also plans to complete its vaccination program by Nov. 10.

It typically takes around three weeks for cattle to develop antibodies.

The disease, which does not affect humans, is highly infectious, causing skin lesions, fever and loss of appetite among cattle, often leading to a fall in milk production and even death.

BY PARK EUN-JEE, YONHAP [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]