Jangseong-gun, All-Out Effort to Block Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do is currently implementing quarantine measures to block the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) occurring in the Jeollanam-do region.

According to the county on the 14th, avian influenza spreads rapidly and infects poultry such as chickens and quails, as well as wild birds.

Jangseong County is making efforts to prevent highly pathogenic avian influenza.
[Photo by Jangseong County]

In particular, highly pathogenic avian influenza causes many birds to die within a short period and is designated as a first-class statutory livestock infectious disease.

Symptoms include respiratory issues, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, and highly pathogenic avian influenza can cause immediate death upon infection.

Since October, when the spread of avian influenza was detected, the county has been operating an ‘AI Blocking Quarantine Situation Room,’ playing a central role in receiving reports of suspected AI infections and inspecting poultry farms.

A dedicated officer for poultry farms conducts farm inspections and telephone surveillance, and a specialized disinfection support team for poultry farms has been organized to carry out disinfection work two to three times a week. For laying hens and breeding duck farms, drones are used to disinfect the areas around the barns.

Disinfection facilities at the Jangseong Interchange and farm control posts in Seokmari and Geumsan-ri in Samseo-myeon, as well as Sangdo-ri in Samgye-myeon, have been operated to further strengthen regional quarantine.

The county also supports self-quarantine by supplying disinfectants and quicklime to poultry farms.

A county official stated, “Signs of avian influenza spreading in some parts of Jeollanam-do have appeared, so we cannot afford to lower our guard. We will prevent damage to farms by establishing a thorough quarantine system.”

Meanwhile, there are currently 12 chicken farms and 2 duck farms in the Jangseong area. The chicken population is about 833,000, and the duck population is about 20,000. So far, avian influenza outbreaks in Jangseong have been reported twice, in 2016 and 2019.

Jangseong = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Hangyu baekok@asiae.co.kr