Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam will fully reopen the Junam Reservoir trail and ecological learning facilities, which had been closed to prevent the outbreak and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (hereafter AI), starting from the 7th.
On January 22, the city preemptively restricted access to the Junam Reservoir trail and ecological learning facilities to minimize damage to poultry farms and ensure citizen safety, following signs of AI outbreak and spread in Gyeongsangnam-do.
Five days later, on January 27, the detection of the AI virus (H5N1) in the carcass of a greater white-fronted goose found in a nearby farmland heightened concerns. However, with no additional cases detected over the following six weeks and considering that migratory birds are now heading north, the city decided to reopen the area after lifting quarantine measures and conducting inspection tests.
Amid growing opinions that the next pandemic after COVID-19 is likely to be caused by AI, Changwon City plans to continue monitoring the remaining winter migratory birds and resident birds as a precautionary measure.
Lee Hyunju, head of the Junam Reservoir Department, said, "We thank the citizens for their long-term cooperation in preventing the spread of AI," and added, "We will continue to monitor migratory birds and carry out quarantine and surveillance activities to ensure the safety of our citizens."
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