South Korea's Big Problem

Have you heard about the disaster in South Korea?

No, it doesn't have anything to do with flooding waters or treacherous ground quaking.

This country is currently experiencing the worst ever outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. Foot and Mouth Disease is an infectious disease that affects cloven-hoofed (divided hooves) animals. These are animals like cattle, pigs, deer, bison, goats and sheep. The disease is easily transmitted and can be devastating if it is not kept under control. While it is not believed to affect humans, humans can easily transmit the disease to animals because they may carry the germs on their clothes, shoes and it can even stay in our nasal passage for as long as 28 hours!

So what's going on in South Korea and why should we care?

• The outbreak was first reported in late November and continues to be dealt with by government officials.
• It is estimated that over 2 million hogs and cattle will have to be euthanized by authorities in an attempt to contain the disease, costing the country billions of dollars.
• The disease is devastating to the economy and livestock producers.
• This is the 5th outbreak of FMD in South Korea since 2000.
• South Korea is the 6th largest buyer of US pork supply and the 5th largest buyer of US beef.
• Demand for US meat exports will inevitably increase.
• The US has not had a FMD outbreak since 1927.
• It is estimated that 17% of the herds in South Korea will have to be eliminated.

You can find out more about FMD on the following sites:

1. World Organization for Animal Health - OIE - http://www.oie.int/eng/maladies/fiches/a_A010.htm
2. FMD Info - Funded by the Beef Checkoff - http://www.fmdinfo.org/aboutfmd.aspx