Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Laboratory Focuses on Blocking Avian Influenza

Capacity Building Training for Sample Collection Personnel, Including Contract Veterinarians, Held on the 16th
Inspections of Live Poultry Shops in Traditional Markets to Continue Through the 24th

Avian Influenza Sample Collection Personnel Capacity Building Training Site. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Laboratory is making every effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) into the region, following a recent confirmation of the disease at a native chicken farm in Gyeonggi Province.

This outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has occurred one to two months earlier than usual, compared to previous years when cases were mostly reported between October and November.

In response, ahead of the special avian influenza quarantine period (October 2025 to February 2026), the Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Laboratory held an on-site capacity building training on the 16th for around 40 personnel. The participants included public officials, staff from private disease diagnosis agencies, and contract veterinarians responsible for sample collection, with the aim of proactively strengthening quarantine measures.

The main topics of the training were: ▲Introduction to AI routine surveillance and testing ▲Sample collection procedures ▲Preparation of sample collection records ▲Biosecurity guidelines for farm visits, all designed to be immediately applicable in the field.

In addition, since the 15th, comprehensive and thorough inspections have been underway at 20 live poultry shops in traditional markets and 17 poultry holding facilities across the province.

Jeong Jiyeong, Director of the Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Laboratory, stated, "We hope this training will further enhance the capabilities of our sample collection personnel and help prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza during the winter season. In addition to training, we will continue to conduct comprehensive inspections through the 24th and make every effort to block the entry of avian influenza into the region."

In 2024, the Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Laboratory conducted 160,000 detailed avian influenza tests (381% of the original plan), and as of the end of August, 150,000 tests (353%). Through these intensive surveillance and testing activities, the laboratory continues its efforts for early detection and prevention of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.