High Pathogenic AI Pyeongtaek Farm 'Movement Restriction Lifted on 14th'... Quarantine Measures Maintained

Gyeonggi Province fully lifted the movement restrictions on poultry farms in Pyeongtaek, which were imposed due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) outbreak that occurred on the 8th of last month in Asan, Chungnam, as of the 14th.

Gyeonggi Province explained the reason for the full lifting by confirming that all five farms located within the quarantine zone in Pyeongtaek City tested negative in a comprehensive inspection.

The current quarantine guidelines stipulate that movement restrictions can be lifted if an AI test conducted 28 days after completing cleaning, washing, and disinfection returns a negative result.

With this full lifting of movement restrictions, the entry and exit of personnel, vehicles, livestock, and products at poultry farms and livestock-related facilities within the province are allowed without separate approval procedures. The restriction on restocking for more than 14 days after shipment, which applied to broilers and meat ducks, has also been lifted, and it is expected that poultry farms and related industries in the province will regain vitality.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Even after lifting the quarantine zone, Gyeonggi Province plans to maintain vigilance until the end of this month, as the risk of additional AI outbreaks remains due to the northward migration of migratory birds.

Gyeonggi Province has extended the deadlines for 11 administrative orders and 8 public announcements until the end of this month and will continue to operate the AI testing system, key disinfection facilities, and promote disinfection days.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory will also conduct comprehensive detailed inspections of all poultry farms, traditional market poultry sales locations, and holding yards in the province to check for residual viruses.

Kim Jong-hoon, Director of the Livestock Animal Welfare Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "Thanks to the combined efforts of poultry farms and livestock-related workers in implementing barrier quarantine measures, the outbreak this winter was contained to a single case without further spread." He added, "Since the risk from migratory birds moving north and residual environmental viruses still remains, please remain vigilant and continue to focus on disinfecting livestock houses and barrier quarantine."