The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported on Monday that more than 90 percent of the nation’s cows have been immunized against lumpy skin disease (LSD). Over 3.11 million cows out of the total 4.08 million have received the vaccine as part of the government’s effort to protect the cattle from the viral infection.
LSD was first detected in the country on October 20th, and since then 78 cases have been confirmed. To prevent further spread, the government initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign, which is expected to be completed by this Friday.
The occurrence of new cases has decreased this month, and no fresh cases have been reported since Saturday. However, authorities are still investigating three suspected cases.
The disease, which does not affect humans, can cause skin lesions, fever and a decrease in appetite, and in some cases can even lead to death. It is spread through mosquitoes and other blood-feeding insects.
A cow is vaccinated against lumpy skin disease at a farm in the southwestern city of Gwangju on Nov. 1, 2023, in this photo provided by a ward office of the city. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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