New rule: Farmers should have permits to operate pig farms in South Korea
Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) has rampaged through South Korea in recent months, with the country stating that it was the worst outbreak the nation experienced. With the country still reeling from the disease, the government has stated that in order to operate a pig farm, farmer’s will need to have permits to do so.
Since the outbreak is now over in the country, the government has deemed it necessary to become more strict regardingthe livestock industry in the country.
FMD which broke out in November last year, and had cost the government 3 trillion won ($2.7 billion).
Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik said: “Fortunately, the situation has calmed down now. No more outbreaks were reported since Feb. 26, and the number of animals culled in the infected areas is rapidly decreasing.”
Permit for farming
As from 2012, the new, stricter rules entail that only those farmers who have proper facilities and who had completed education programs on epizootic preventive measures can obtain permits to operate cattle and pig farms.
According to the government, the permit system will be for large-scale farmers, while small-scale farmers will need to register with their local authorities, detailing their farming of chickens, ducks, cattle and pigs. Further details on the permit system will be made known at the end of April.
This new system of working will hold farmer’s accountable for outbreaks, while they will also be asked to fork out a portion for vaccination payments.
Source: Korea JoongAng Daily
