Andong quarantine authorities are conducting emergency disinfection to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Recently, a group of endangered swans at Andong Baekjo Park died collectively due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, triggering an emergency response from quarantine authorities.
Andong City (Mayor Kwon Ki-chang) announced on the 30th that it has launched a containment quarantine to prevent virus transmission following the mass death of swans being raised at Andong Baekjo Park.
On the same day, the city held a countermeasure meeting chaired by Vice Mayor Lee Sang-hak, discussing response plans for the avian influenza outbreak with heads of related departments including the Environmental Management Division, Livestock Promotion Division, and Cultural Heritage Division.
The Vice Mayor ordered thorough containment work and quarantine measures for Baekjo Park and nearby poultry farms.
From the 24th to the 29th, a total of nine swans, including Whooper Swans and Black Swans, died at Baekjo Park. The cause was confirmed on the 30th as highly pathogenic avian influenza after the H5N1 virus was detected in the carcasses tested by the National Wildlife Disease Control Center.
On the 26th, the city thoroughly disinfected the inside and outside of Baekjo Park and its surroundings and completely blocked the park entrance. Additional carcasses found have been sampled and sent for testing, and two surviving swans were isolated indoors on the 29th for safety.
Currently, a total of 12 birds survive at Baekjo Park, including one Whooper Swan, one Black Swan, and ten Mandarin Ducks. The city plans to collect samples from the surviving swans and Mandarin Ducks for testing as well.
The Whooper Swan is classified as a second-class endangered species and a natural monument, the Black Swan is a first-class endangered species and a natural monument, and the Mandarin Duck is designated as a natural monument.
Andong City immediately reported the incident to related agencies such as the Cultural Heritage Administration and Daegu Environmental Office. Carcasses resulting from highly pathogenic avian influenza will be incinerated, and one natural monument Whooper Swan and four Black Swans will be incinerated after applying for a cultural heritage alteration permit at the National Wildlife Disease Control Center.
Andong City has currently closed the entrance to Baekjo Park and installed control posts for quarantine of vehicles and people. Additionally, staff will remain on-site inside the park for two weeks to take necessary measures.
The city has established a quarantine zone within a 10 km radius of the detection area and is conducting daily phone surveillance and detailed inspections of farms in the area.
Furthermore, poultry within a 3 km radius will be purchased and culled through a commissioned company. Andong City, livestock-related organizations, joint pest control officers from towns and townships, and related institutions (Northern Branch of the Livestock Hygiene Testing Office, Andong Bonghwa Livestock Cooperative, Nonghyup Feed Andong Plant, etc.) have formed a joint pest control team to disinfect the area surrounding the outbreak site.
In October, Andong City supported 2,000 bags of quicklime to block highly pathogenic AI and plans to distribute 2,700 bottles of disinfectant, purchased with a budget of 39 million KRW, to poultry farms starting in December.
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