S. Korea reports first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease

South Korea confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) Thursday for the first time in over three years.

The confirmation came one day after a suspected case was reported at a pig farm in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

"A close examination confirmed an outbreak of FMD at the Uiseong farm," the ministry said in a short statement.

The test also confirmed the latest outbreak was caused by type O strain of the animal disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cows and sheep.

The ministry said about 600 pigs showing the symptoms will be culled. The farm has about 1,500 pigs.

The last FMD outbreak was in April 2011. South Korea had regained the status of an FMD-free country just two months ago.

South Korea has also been battling avian influenza since February, though no fresh case has been reported since late June. (Yonhap)