Jeongeup-si Continues to Strengthen Quarantine Measures to Block Highly Pathogenic AI

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Jeongeup City in Jeonbuk Province has re-inspected the quarantine status of poultry farms and strengthened quarantine management to block the regional inflow of avian influenza (AI) as migratory birds head north.

According to Jeongeup City on the 21st, the city has designated the period from last October, when the risk of AI occurrence increases, until the end of this month as a special quarantine measure period, mobilizing all administrative power to focus on blocking quarantine.

However, with the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic AI types H5N1 and H5N6 in poultry farms in China, and the increase in cases from 13 in 3 countries in December last year to 59 in 11 countries so far, there is concern about domestic inflow.

Accordingly, to block the risk of transmission through migratory birds, the city has deployed four dedicated disinfection vehicles at two major migratory bird habitats (Dongjingang, Gobucheon) and conducts disinfection at least once daily.

Since the 3rd of last month, the city has been using five drones to disinfect once a week, controlling access of livestock vehicles, and has taken measures to complete the application of quicklime at all poultry farm entrances, roads, and around livestock barns.

Poultry farms have been urged to strictly enforce strengthened quarantine rules such as thorough access control for visitor vehicles, disinfection inside and outside barns, and changing boots for each barn.

In addition, small-scale farms will undergo special inspections by the 28th to check for livestock breeding business permits and registrations, availability of disinfection facilities, and disinfection and management of incoming vehicles and facilities.

The city plans to intensively manage five poultry sales points in traditional markets within the region, focusing on cleaning and disinfection status, preparation of disinfection and transaction records, and issuance of inspection certificates.

With the mandatory implementation of the ‘Pre-Notification System for Stocking’ starting from the 28th, chicken and duck farms must submit a quarantine inspection checklist and stocking notification form to the relevant city or county office one week before stocking.

The city intends to verify accurate breeding information of farms through this and promote efficient on-site quarantine management.

A city official said, “Avian influenza is a zoonosis that can infect humans and is one of the major livestock infectious diseases requiring thorough quarantine management,” adding, “As concerns about domestic inflow increase, all livestock farms and related agencies should do their best to block the spread.”