Cattle markets in parts of South Jeolla Province reopened Monday after weeks of closure due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, provincial authorities said.
Markets in seven cities and counties — Suncheon, Damyang, Gokseong, Goheung, Boseong, Yeonggwang and Jangseong — resumed operations, following a downgrade of the foot-and-mouth alert level in these areas from "severe" to "caution."
Markets in eight other regions — Naju, Hwasun, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Mokpo, Hampyeong and Sinan — where the alert level remains at "severe," are scheduled to reopen on May 5.
Markets had been closed since March 14, leading to significant financial losses for farmers and market vendors, who called for a swift reopening.
However, cattle from farms in Muan and Yeongam, where recent FMD cases have been confirmed, are still prohibited from being traded at all markets.
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