Yangcheon-gu, Special Avian Influenza Prevention and Control Measures for Winter Migratory Birds

Designation of Special Avian Influenza Prevention Period in Winter: Thorough Disinfection and Human Infection Prevention Management... Establishment of Close Cooperation System Among Livestock, Environment, and Health Departments for Preventive Measures and Response

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) has established and is implementing a special avian influenza (AI) quarantine plan and human infection prevention management plan to prepare for the possibility of highly pathogenic AI introduction by winter migratory birds until February 28 next year.

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is an acute infectious disease of birds caused by viral infection. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, which can infect humans, is considered high risk and is designated as a disease under management by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Currently, there are no registered poultry farms in Yangcheon-gu, but one wild bird habitat (Anyangcheon Migratory Bird Protection Area) and three livestock vehicles are registered and managed.

In preparation for the winter migratory bird arrival period, the district has operated an AI quarantine situation room from the 12th of this month until February 28, 2021, and has launched thorough special quarantine measures and human infection prevention management.

During the special quarantine period, the district maintains a 24-hour emergency contact system. In the event of domestic occurrence of avian influenza, administrative support, situation control, and movement control teams will be divided into three groups. According to government policies and crisis levels (alert, severe), corresponding quarantine measures will be implemented, including registration and management of livestock vehicles, expanded operation of the Livestock Quarantine Headquarters and strengthening of emergency quarantine systems, rapid reporting and notification systems, culling and incineration of poultry within a 500m radius of the outbreak site, movement and access restrictions and epidemiological investigations at the outbreak site, and fixed deployment of disinfection vehicles and intensive quarantine on entrances to wild bird habitats and nearby roads.

Furthermore, to protect the health and safety of residents, necessary supplies such as antiviral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza have been secured. An AI human infection countermeasure team has been formed to establish close cooperation among the Yangcheon-gu Medical Association, Seoul City AI Quarantine Headquarters, and departments of livestock, environment, and health. Hygiene rules will be strengthened, and antiviral vaccinations and active monitoring will be conducted for high-risk groups such as culling personnel.

If human infection among residents is suspected, doctors, oriental medicine doctors, or heads of medical institutions who suspect or diagnose the disease will report to the local health center director, enabling prompt emergency measures such as hospitalization and treatment of confirmed patients.

Kim Soo-young, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, stated, “To prevent the occurrence of avian influenza during the winter migratory bird arrival period, the district will do its best to prevent it by establishing a close cooperative system with related organizations.” He added, “Since avian influenza is a virus that can infect humans, we ask all residents to pay special attention to personal hygiene rules such as handwashing.”