South Korea Reports Four New Cases of Lumpy Skin Disease, Total Reaches 14

Medical

SEOUL – South Korea confirmed four new cases of lumpy skin disease (LSD), escalating concerns over the nationwide spread of this highly infectious ailment among cattle, according to a statement by Agricultural Minister Chung Hwang-keun at a National Assembly audit session on Monday.

According to a new release by Yonhap News Agency, the latest count brings the total number of LSD infections to 14, with 638 units of cattle being culled to date. Two of these new cases were reported in South Chungcheong Province, and one each in Gyeonggi and North Chungcheong Province. The first ever case of LSD in South Korea was identified in South Chungcheong Province last Friday.

The disease, which manifests through skin lesions, fever, and loss of appetite in cattle, can result in decreased milk production and even death. It is transmitted through mosquitoes and other blood-feeding insects but poses no risk to humans.

Chung noted that the government is culling all cattle at infected farms as a preventive measure. “If we do not carry out culling at infected farms, the disease may spread to other areas, including the retail network,” he said. Chung also assured that farmers affected by the culling will receive full compensation.