Gyeonggi Province Provides Emergency 20 Tons of Immune Boosters to Poultry Farms for Proactive Heat Wave Response

On July 14, Gyeonggi Province announced that it would provide an emergency additional supply of 20 tons of immune boosters to poultry farms, which are particularly vulnerable to heat, due to concerns about damage to livestock farms caused by the ongoing heat wave.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Previously, in May, the province supplied 66 tons of immune boosters, including vitamins and minerals, to poultry and pig farms, allocating a budget of 660 million won. This additional support is a follow-up measure, aimed at proactively minimizing damage to poultry farms resulting from the continued heat wave.

In fact, due to the ongoing heat wave, livestock farms have been suffering damage. As of July 10, a total of 41 cases and approximately 50,000 animals have been reported as affected in 13 cities and counties (including Paju, Yeoju, Hwaseong, and Icheon).

Among these, poultry farms in six cities and counties have been hit particularly hard, including Paju (15,536 birds), Yeoju (6,000 birds), Hwaseong (5,404 birds), Icheon (5,085 birds), Gimpo (5,000 birds), and Yongin (4,700 birds).

Chickens are highly sensitive to heat stress, which leads to increased mortality rates, decreased egg production, and a higher risk of various diseases due to weakened immunity during heat waves. Strengthening immunity is especially important at this time, as highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has not been completely eradicated.

To prevent heat-related damage, livestock farms must ensure thorough ventilation and temperature control, and provide ample fresh water and feed. In addition, livestock density should be managed, and dead animals must be removed promptly.

Furthermore, if necessary, immune boosters should be used, and strict compliance with biosecurity measures, such as disinfecting inside and outside livestock facilities and controlling access, is essential to prevent disease and reduce damage.

Lee Kangyoung, Director of the Livestock and Animal Welfare Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, said, "As heat waves caused by recent climate change continue, the damage to livestock farms is increasing. We hope that this support of immune boosters will help protect the health of livestock and provide practical assistance for the management stability of farms."

Meanwhile, since April, Gyeonggi Province has been implementing the "Gyeonggi Climate Insurance" policy, the first of its kind in the country, to prepare for health risks caused by climate crises such as heat waves and to establish a safety net for all residents, including climate-vulnerable groups. Gyeonggi residents are automatically enrolled without any separate registration process. Insurance payouts ranging from 100,000 won to a maximum of 500,000 won are provided for cases such as heat-related or cold-related illnesses (including heat stroke and hypothermia), certain infectious diseases (such as malaria and tsutsugamushi disease), and injuries caused by other climate disasters. Detailed information on coverage and application methods can be found on the Gyeonggi Province website or by contacting the main call center.