Strengthening Avian Influenza (AI) Prevention in Gangwon-do Amid Winter Migratory Bird Northward Movement

Early Detection and Prevention of Avian Influenza During Migratory Bird Northward Movement in February-March
Mass Testing of Poultry Farms, Inspection of Livestock at Traditional Markets and Slaughterhouses

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] As highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) antigens continue to be detected in wild birds and the season for the northward migration of winter migratory birds approaches, Gangwon Province is strengthening inspections targeting poultry farms.

Photo materials [Asia Economy DB]

Gangwon Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory announced on the 18th, "We will regularly conduct comprehensive inspections of all poultry farms and traders within the province until the winter migratory birds have completely moved north."

According to the provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory, as of the 15th of this month, avian influenza has occurred in 63 farms nationwide, including one case in Gangwon Province. In wild birds, 32 cases were confirmed at 163 locations.

Earlier, since October of last year when migratory birds began to arrive, the province has conducted 13,000 detailed inspections to block the AI virus, targeting poultry such as laying hens, breeding chickens, native chickens, and broilers, slaughterhouse shipments, poultry facility environment inspections, and poultry sold by traders at traditional markets as well as vehicles related to poultry farms and facilities.

Additionally, since the AI outbreak at a laying hen farm in November last year, the province has been focusing all efforts on surveillance and inspections to prevent the spread between farms.

The province will strengthen detailed inspections and surveillance centered on farms near areas where wild bird antigens have been detected until the end of the migratory birds' northward movement.

Seo Jong-eok, director of the Animal Hygiene Laboratory, said, "Although the nationwide occurrence of highly pathogenic AI is gradually decreasing, the risk remains high in the province, which is a key point on the northward migratory route of wild birds in February and March, so we will enforce even stricter quarantine measures."

He added, "We urge poultry farmers to thoroughly disinfect farms and implement blocking quarantine measures for incoming vehicles and people, and to promptly report any suspicious symptoms."