FMD Outbreak Reported in North Korean Pig Factory
NORTH KOREA - The North Korean veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease at a pig factory located in Pyongyang.
20 February 2014
2 minute read
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on Wednesday, 19 February. The outbreak was initially observed on 8 January and confirmed on the same date.
On 8 January, an antigen (Ag) detection ELISA test was carried out at the Central Veterinary Laboratory and on 12 January, a virus neutralisation test (VNT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were carried out at the Central Veterinary Laboratory and Veterinary Research Institute. All tests confirmed the presence of the FMD virus, serotype O.
According to the OIE, the event began on 8 January 2014 in Pyongyang pig factory and has spread to 17 units in Pyongyang-si (Sadong, Ryokpo, Sunan and Rakrang districts) and in Hwanghae-Bukto (Junghwa and Kangnam counties). 3,280 pigs have been infected (369 pigs died and 2,911 pigs were slaughtered).
Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: This report has been extracted from an official letter sent to the OIE by the Delegate of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea received on 19 February 2014. More detailed information on each of the other 17 outbreaks affecting two provinces (Pyongyang-si and Hwanghae-Bukto) will be published when available.
The OIE, in conjunction with the country's competent veterinary authorities, has applied several control measures such as stamping out, quarantine, movement control inside the country, vaccination in response to the outbreak(s), disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s) and treatment of affected animals.
The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.
TheCattleSite News Desk
