South Korea Bans German Pork Imports Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak
Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has announced an import ban on German pork following the confirmation of a highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Germany.
This is Germany’s first FMD case since 1988.
FMD is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle and pigs, posing a significant threat to livestock populations. In response to the outbreak, the ministry has initiated FMD virus tests on all German pork products imported into South Korea since December 27th.
Approximately 360 tons of German pork, imported between October 26th and November 17th, are currently awaiting quarantine inspection. The ministry stated that it will proceed with clearance procedures for these products through the normal process, as the maximum latent period for the FMD virus is 14 days.
This import ban aims to prevent the introduction of FMD into South Korea and protect the country’s livestock industry. The ministry emphasized the importance of this measure to safeguard the health of domestic livestock and ensure the stability of the agricultural sector.
YONHAP NEWS AGENCY
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