AI and Foot-and-Mouth Disease Special Quarantine Period Extended for 2 Weeks Until March 14

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The special quarantine measures period for highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) will be extended by two weeks until mid-next month.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 23rd that the special quarantine measures period for highly pathogenic AI and FMD, originally set to end on the 28th, has been extended by two weeks until the 14th of next month following a livestock quarantine committee meeting.

Although the risk level of highly pathogenic AI has somewhat decreased, it is still considered a serious situation.

Among wild birds, a total of 200 AI antigens have been detected, with the daily average number of detections decreasing from 3.5 cases last month to 2.1 cases this month (1st to 22nd). This is still higher than in previous years.

In poultry farms, the daily average number of cases has decreased from 1.4 to 0.8, but sporadic occurrences continue.

Regarding FMD, some farms have been found to have inadequate vaccine management. Outbreaks continue in neighboring countries such as China.

According to this decision, enhanced quarantine measures such as control of migratory bird habitats and strengthened disinfection during the special quarantine period will be implemented for an additional two weeks.

Administrative orders issued to block horizontal transmission between farms, such as restricting vehicle entry into farms, will also be extended by two weeks.

Winter rearing restrictions on duck farms and the measures limiting restocking after mass shipment of broilers and meat ducks will be maintained.

Regarding FMD, risk factors such as inadequate vaccination will be intensively managed during the extended special quarantine period.

Booster vaccinations and antibody tests will be conducted on farms vulnerable to vaccination by livestock type, and restrictions on the movement of cattle and pig manure (excluding fermented manure) outside designated zones will continue.

However, considering the long-term ban on manure movement, during the extended special quarantine period, limited movement outside the zones will be allowed after prior testing confirms no abnormalities, with guidance and management in place.

An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs emphasized, "Since the risk from residual viruses inside and around farms still exists, poultry farmers must strictly adhere to quarantine rules."