Foot-and-mouth disease spreading in N. Korea, too

Foot-and-mouth disease is also spreading throughout North Korea according to a World Organization for Animal Health report quoting the North’s Agriculture Ministry.

According to the report, the North confirmed the disease`s outbreak in 48 areas in its central and southern areas since the first case was detected in six heads of cattle in Pyongyang on Dec. 25 last year.

In particular, pig farms in Pyongyang`s Yokpo district saw 4,350 pigs die from the epidemic. The North also said 165 goats were infected with the disease.

The report did not mention culling animals, however. Considering that foot-and-mouth disease has continued to break out in the North since 2000 and that the North has yet to cull an animal because of the epidemic, the impoverished country will likely use the animals for food as in the past.

While the North’s livestock industry is underdeveloped, the epidemic will likely have an enormous impact on its agriculture. The North uses most of its cattle for farming, so the disease could ruin domestic agriculture.

North Korea said in the report that it has not been able to effectively control the epidemic despite vaccinations. The World Organization for Animal Health is reportedly considering offering support for the North, including supplying vaccines.

zsh75@donga.com