Extension of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza Special Quarantine Period by 2 Weeks... Until the 14th of Next Month

Maintaining a Strengthened Quarantine System
in Preparation for Sporadic Outbreaks

The government has decided to extend the special quarantine period by two weeks until the 14th of next month to prepare for sporadic outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza during the northward migration of migratory birds.

The Central Accident Response Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza announced on the 27th that following an expert meeting on the 24th and a Livestock Quarantine Review Committee on the 26th, they decided to extend the special quarantine period.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza first occurred on October 29 last year at a laying hen farm in Donghae, Gangwon Province, and so far, a total of 35 cases have been reported at poultry farms.

An official from the Central Accident Response Headquarters stated, "During this winter season, highly pathogenic avian influenza has occurred worldwide, including in the United States and Europe, and in neighboring Japan, the number of cases and the number of culled birds have significantly increased compared to the previous year. In Korea as well, the number of detections (19 cases → 37 cases) and detection areas (9 cities/counties → 23) have expanded nationwide compared to last year. Despite these challenging quarantine conditions, experts have evaluated that the situation of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks has been generally well managed."

However, the Central Accident Response Headquarters assessed that the winter migratory bird habitat increased by 14.3% compared to last month, and highly pathogenic avian influenza has recently been detected in wild birds, indicating a risk of additional outbreaks. Therefore, the major quarantine measures implemented during the special quarantine period will be extended until March 14, and strengthened quarantine management for poultry farms will continue.

Kang Hyung-seok, Director of Agricultural Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "Since migratory birds will continue to move north after March, sporadic outbreaks may occur, so poultry farmers should remain vigilant and strictly adhere to basic biosecurity measures with the mindset of 'I protect my farm myself.' Livestock farmers are also urged to immediately report to quarantine authorities not only when major symptoms suspected of highly pathogenic avian influenza such as increased mortality, decreased egg production, and reduced feed intake are observed in poultry, but also when mild symptoms are detected."