The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said Tuesday it will shut 142 livestock markets nationwide from Saturday to April 16 to prevent foot-and-mouth disease from endangering Korean livestock.

The ministry plans to implement a massive disinfection campaign for livestock markets during the hiatus.

Beef prices are expected to rise as a result of the measure as difficulties in livestock trading are expected.

A Ministry official said that about 20 percent of the cows distributed through livestock markets nationwide will be affected.

He added that the ministry will take measures to expand beef shipments through the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation during the temporary shut-down period.