Heat-related illnesses and livestock deaths surge amid extreme heat

With recordbreaking heat waves sweeping across the country, damage to both people and livestock is increasing at the same time. As of July 28, the cumulative number of heatrelated illness cases stood at 1,482, with 9 deaths, and livestock deaths have also surpassed 300,000, mainly among poultry such as chickens and pigs. In areas including Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, heat wave warnings continue, and livestock barns, cramped oneroom neighborhoods, and outdoor work sites are all facing major difficulties. Farmers are operating shade nets, large fans, misting systems, and other equipment, but chicken mortality is rising rapidly and egglaying rates are also falling. On the southern coast, concern is also growing over aquaculture damage caused by high water temperatures. Fishermen are taking measures such as reducing or stopping feed, but they remain on edge as a sudden rise in water temperature could increase the likelihood of fish deaths.