City
Epaper

N. Korean state media acknowledges swine flu outbreak

By IANS | Updated: June 12, 2019 16:45 IST

The main newspaper of the North Korean regime acknowledged on Wednesday the existence of an outbreak of African swine fever in the country, the first official admission since Pyongyang reported several cases to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in May.

Open in App

"Veterinary and emergency anti-epidemic projects have been actively implemented across the country to prevent the spread of African swine fever, which is a highly contagious viral disease," an article published by Rodong Sinmun and cited by Efe news said.

This is the first mention of the disease by the North Korean media since informing the OIE about the outbreak in Chagang province on May 30.

Since then, South Korea, whose government is concerned about the possible occurrence of the disease on its territory, has offered to cooperate with the North to combat the spread of the dangerous virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever in pigs and has a very high mortality rate, the report said.

Pyongyang has not responded to the South's offer of cooperation.

Although it is not known if any fresh cases have been reported in North Korea, the fact that the Rodong article speaks of measures activated "across the country" has led to suspicions about the possibility of new cases.

The current outbreak, which affects east Asia, apparently began in China, where the first case was detected in August 2018 in Liaoning province.

The virus - which does not affect humans - has already been detected in each of the administrative divisions of China and in other countries including Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to North Korea, and has already led to the culling of millions of pigs.

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalPakistan grappling with worsening security challenges: Report

Other SportsBen Calitz receives maiden call-up to Ireland’s squad for T20Is against England

EntertainmentSoha Ali Khan teaches the absolute right way of immersing Ganpati Bappa

Other SportsDivyanshi Bhowmick, Ananya Muralidharan clinch U-15 girls' doubles title at WTT Youth Star Contender

NationalBengal: ISF legislator Nawsad Siddiqui files defamation case against Trinamool MLA Sokat Molla

International Realted Stories

International"Direct flights between our two countries are expected to be resumed shortly," says China's Ambassador Xu Feihong on India ties

International18 killed, 200 injured as Nepal protests against social media ban turn violent

InternationalChinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong highlights China-India ties, urges peaceful cooperation

InternationalIndia, Gulf Cooperation Council discuss implementation of Joint Action Plan

InternationalMauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and spouse to visit India from September 9-16