Preventing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ... Gyeongsangnam-do Issues Movement Restriction Order

Gyeongsangnam-do Province has issued an administrative order restricting the movement of livestock vehicles and personnel from September 22, 2025, through February of the following year, in an effort to prevent the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) during the winter season.

The purpose is to preemptively block the horizontal transmission of highly pathogenic AI viruses through people and vehicles, as well as to strengthen the biosecurity responsibilities of livestock farms, thereby minimizing the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks during winter.

Livestock vehicles are being disinfected at the base disinfection facility near Haebancheon in Gimhae City, Gyeongnam Province. Provided by Gyeongnam Province

Under this administrative order, livestock vehicle drivers must comply with 11 requirements, including: prohibition of entry into migratory bird habitats; mandatory visits to base disinfection facilities before entering poultry farms and livestock facilities; prohibition of egg transport vehicles from entering densely populated layer hen areas; and restrictions on the movement of poultry manure vehicles between cities and provinces.

Poultry farms are also required to comply with measures such as: prohibition of free-range rearing; restrictions on entry for vaccination teams and loading/unloading crews; prohibition of shared equipment use between farms under the same ownership; and restrictions on the removal of manure from layer hen farms.

Gyeongsangnam-do Province has also strengthened biosecurity standards, including: checking and keeping disinfection certificates for livestock vehicles; storing agricultural machinery outside the farm; cleaning and disinfecting rice husk spreaders and operating footbaths in duck farms; implementing two-step disinfection for vehicles entering farms; and blocking secondary entrances and controlling access through back doors of livestock barns.

Violations of the administrative order are subject to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won, while breaches of biosecurity standards may result in an administrative fine of up to 10 million won.

In addition, if a highly pathogenic AI outbreak occurs, compensation for culling may be reduced.

Jeong Changgeun, Director of the Animal Quarantine Division, stated, "This administrative order is an unavoidable measure to block the entry of highly pathogenic AI," and urged, "Poultry farmers and livestock vehicle drivers should thoroughly understand and strictly comply with the strengthened biosecurity rules."