Gyeongsangnam-do will conduct inspections on African Swine Fever (ASF) quarantine measures at pig farms in the province from the 10th of this month until the end of next month to prepare for heavy rainfall during the summer.
The provincial government expressed concern that during the rainy season, viruses from wild boars or carcasses living near pig farms could be swept into the farms by rivers or soil runoff.
Accordingly, they announced that they will conduct inspections in advance to identify and eliminate potential risk factors.
A pest control vehicle equipped with a wide-area sprayer is spraying disinfectant near a pig farm in the province. Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government
The inspections will target 26 pig farms adjacent to mountains or rivers, including 3 in Geoje, 9 in Uiryeong, 2 in Haman, 7 in Goseong, and 5 in Namhae.
The province will form joint inspection teams with city and county officials to check each farm for vulnerabilities, including: installation and maintenance of drainage systems; internal and external fencing; installation and operation of disinfection facilities for vehicles and personnel; closure of secondary entrances; and compliance with mandatory requirements for pig farms.
If any legal violations are found during the inspections, administrative action will be taken, and any deficiencies will be managed until they are corrected.
Going forward, in connection with heavy rain forecasts from the Korea Meteorological Administration, an "ASF Risk Advisory" will be issued in advance, and "Rainy Season Quarantine Guidelines and Farm Action Protocols in Case of Flooding" will be promoted and guided to all pig farms in the province through the Korea Pork Producers Association Gyeongnam Branch, local governments, and quarantine agencies.
After the heavy rains, a "Unified Disinfection Day" will be designated, and all available resources, including 86 disinfection vehicles from the joint control team, will be mobilized to thoroughly disinfect pig farms and livestock-related facilities.
Kang Kwangsik, head of the Animal Quarantine Division, stated, "All three pig farms where African Swine Fever occurred this year?in Yeongdeok, Paju, and Cheorwon?were found to have shortcomings in basic quarantine measures. Farmers must keep in mind that viruses can spread to areas around farms due to heavy rain and enter the farm via workers or vehicles, so strict adherence to quarantine rules and preventive measures is essential."
The quarantine inspection team is inspecting a pig farm in the province. [Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]
According to Gyeongsangnam-do, African Swine Fever has not yet occurred in the province.
Nationwide, there have been 41 cases detected at farms and 4,065 wild boars have tested positive, with an increasing number of infected wild boars being found in neighboring Gyeongbuk and Busan since last year.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
