Additional Confirmation of Highly Pathogenic AI in Dead Greater White-fronted Geese at Changwon Junam Reservoir

High Risk of Transmission to Other Animals Including Humans

On the 28th, Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) was finally confirmed in a wild bird carcass (greater white-fronted goose).

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Song Jong-gu] Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been additionally confirmed in a large goose carcass found at Junnam Reservoir in Changwon, a popular spot for Changwon citizens and tourists.

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam announced on the 28th that highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 type) was finally confirmed in wild bird carcasses (large goose) discovered on the water surface of Junnam Reservoir (in front of the birdwatching tower) and the wetland behind the Ramsar Culture Center (ecological experience wetland) on the 21st.

This is the first confirmed case of avian influenza in wild bird carcasses on the water surface of Junnam Reservoir since AI was detected in wild bird droppings at nearby Bonggok Reservoir on October 27, and wild bird carcasses continue to be found.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza causes serious damage to livestock and the livestock industry, and the H5N1 type detected this time is one of the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses with a high risk of transmission to humans and other animals.

The city explained that the access restrictions to the Junnam Reservoir trail and ecological learning facilities (Ramsar Culture Center, birdwatching tower, ecological learning center), which have been in effect since November 2, will be extended until December 13 and may be further extended depending on the spread trend.

In addition, the annual migratory bird feeding event has been canceled, and migratory bird feed will be provided separately according to the ‘Standard Action Guidelines for Wild Bird Avian Influenza’.

A Junnam Reservoir official said, “As wild bird carcasses continue to be found, we once again ask for the active cooperation of citizens regarding the access restrictions to the Junnam Reservoir trail.”