Worsening Outbreak of Bovine Papular Dermatitis in South Korea

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Worsening Outbreak of Bovine Papular Dermatitis in South Korea

Worsening Outbreak of Bovine Papular Dermatitis in South Korea

On the 29th of this month, South Korea’s Central Emergency Response Headquarters reported that, as of 2:00 PM that day, the number of cases of Bovine Papular Dermatitis within South Korea had increased to 61.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Deok-soo stated on the same day that the government would do its “utmost” to contain the further spread of the outbreak.

According to a report by Yonhap News Agency on the 29th, the reported outbreaks have affected six regions, including Chungcheongnam-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Gangwon-do, and Jeollabuk-do. The total number of cattle that have already been culled or are slated for culling has risen to 4,107.

Worsening Outbreak of Bovine Papular Dermatitis in South Korea

Prime Minister Han Deok-soo mentioned during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence on the 29th, “The next three weeks will be the most critical period for controlling the infection. Farms need to actively engage in vaccination efforts.”

In response to the outbreak, South Korea’s health authorities are intensifying their efforts to vaccinate cattle. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs shows that, as of the morning of the 28th, 357,000 cattle have already been vaccinated. South Korea aims to complete the vaccination of its domestically raised cattle in early November. Considering that cattle typically develop antibodies around three weeks after vaccination, the number of affected cattle may continue to increase in the near future.

Bovine Papular Dermatitis, also known as Bovine Papular Dermatitis or Nodular Skin Disease, is caused by the Bovine Papular Dermatitis virus. Clinical symptoms in affected cattle include fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, skin edema, and the formation of firm nodules or ulcers in localized areas of the skin. This disease can temporarily reduce milk production in cows, cause temporary or permanent sterility in bulls, and may also lead to the death of affected cattle due to secondary bacterial infections.

South Korea first reported this livestock infectious disease on the 20th of this month. According to South Korean media reports, the disease is transmitted through blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes and is only contagious within cattle herds, posing no threat to human health.

What is Bovine Papular Dermatitis?

Bovine Papular Dermatitis, also known as Bovine Papular Dermatitis (BPD), Nodular Skin Disease, or Bovine Papillomatosis, is a viral skin disease that primarily affects cattle.

This disease is characterized by the formation of papules, nodules, and ulcers on the skin of infected cattle.

Here are some key details about Bovine Papular Dermatitis:

Causative Agent: Bovine Papular Dermatitis is caused by a virus known as the Bovine Papular Stomatitis Virus (BPSV). This virus is a member of the family Poxviridae.
Clinical Symptoms: Infected cattle typically exhibit various clinical signs, including fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, skin edema, and the development of papules and nodules on the skin. These papules and nodules are often firm and raised and can progress to form ulcers. The severity of clinical signs can vary among affected animals.
Transmission: The primary mode of transmission for Bovine Papular Dermatitis is through blood-feeding arthropods, such as biting flies and mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted from one infected animal to another through insect vectors. It is not contagious to humans and poses no risk to human health.
Economic Impact: Bovine Papular Dermatitis can have economic implications for cattle farmers and the livestock industry. Affected cattle may experience a temporary reduction in milk production, and bulls may become temporarily or permanently sterile. Additionally, secondary bacterial infections can develop in the skin lesions, which can lead to further complications and even the death of affected cattle.
Diagnosis: Veterinarians can diagnose Bovine Papular Dermatitis based on clinical signs, lesion appearance, and laboratory tests. Laboratory tests may include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays or viral culture to confirm the presence of the BPSV.
Control and Prevention: To control and prevent the spread of Bovine Papular Dermatitis, vaccination is one of the key measures. Vaccines are available to immunize cattle against this disease. Culling and isolation of affected animals are also common control measures. In addition, insect control measures, such as using insect repellents or maintaining clean and insect-free environments for cattle, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

It’s important for cattle farmers and veterinarians to promptly identify and manage cases of Bovine Papular Dermatitis to minimize its impact on the affected animals and prevent its further spread within the herd. Regular monitoring of cattle health and implementing preventive measures can contribute to the control of this disease.