The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed three new cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Yangpyeong County, Incheon and Cheongsong, as officials begin vaccinations in an attempt to control the outbreak.

More than 144,342 quarantine personnel are stationed at 1,200 checkpoints across the country to assist in the decontamination, culling and vaccination processes. The ministry estimates losses to date related to the disease at USD347.5 million dollars. However, inevitably the cost to producers will increase.

The domestic media has started reporting on the health implications of consuming beef from FMD vaccinated cattle. While beef from vaccinated cattle can be consumed under World Organization for Animal Health guidelines, domestic public sentiment is strongly opposed. Further media interest in animal health issues will add to consumer trends toward alternatives, and imports from countries perceived as clean and green.