Topic: 2024-Spread of Animal Viruses
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Olivia Bryan
Committee: WHO (ECOSOC)
Topic: The Spread of Animal Viruses
Delegate: Olivia Bryan
School: Williamston High school
Country: The Republic of Korea
The spread of animal viruses is a problem more widespread than most would assume. Animal viruses are viral infectious agents that travel host to host infecting quickly. Some well known viruses include the avian(bird) flu, swine fever, and rabies. While the issue of animal viruses may not seem as prevalent in developed countries; they are still a problem that occurs not only in those developed countries but runs rampant in developing countries. In August of this year the bluetongue virus hit European livestock and is rapidly spreading across the continent. The virus was countered by three different vaccines but all were rendered ineffective. India has seen the largest rabies cases of all other countries due to stray animals and lack of vaccination. The United States recently reported an outbreak of the H5N1 bird influenza in mid-November of this year. Those cases just begin to touch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to addressing the worry of animal viruses.
The Republic of Korea, while maintaining status as one of the most viral non-occurrence countries, has seen a few small outbreaks in recent years. In 2023, South Korea saw small outbreaks of the HPAI and H5N1 viruses after a global increase in active cases.The infectious agent was quickly contained and the country saw no further spread. Also in 2023, a small outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease occurred in Incheon South Korea. Lumpy Skin Disease, or LSD, is a virus transmitted from cattle to humans by biting insects. In cattle symptoms can range from swelling, to anorexia, to systemic illness. The Republic of Korea has taken many strategies over the years to eliminate the spread of animal viruses. Korea saw nearly 67 years free of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease before a small outbreak in 2000. Korea currently maintains a rabies non-occurrence status, having no outbreaks since 2013. Korea continues efforts to remain both HFM and Rabies free through mass vaccinations and effective animal control. The Republic of Korea is committed to investigate and attempt to control and contain any animal borne illnesses seen within its borders.
Korea fully plans to continue the effort set by the World Health Organization of zero human rabies deaths by 2030. Korea believes that this is a problem that needs to be solved worldwide and not just within its own borders. While Korea may have been significantly free of certain viruses, this does not mean there is not a danger for further spread. As seen with outbreaks inside the country, the threat of animal viruses and their spread is a serious concern. With continued research and discovery Korea hopes to eradicate as many known, and unknown, diseases as possible. Korea is willing to fully cooperate with the United Nations on this matter, and as well as hearing from other developed countries would like to hear from developing ones. Specifically Korea would like to know countries with larger outbreaks plans to control the viruses running rampant and endangering the globe.
