Jeonbuk Province Mobilizes All-Out Efforts to Prevent AI Spread...Urgent Inspection of Quarantine System

Video Conference Held with Deputy Heads of 14 Cities and Counties
Enhanced Monitoring of Poultry Farms and Inspection of Disinfection Facilities

Jeonbuk Provincial Government Office building. Provided by Jeonbuk Province

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province has urgently inspected the avian influenza (AI) response system in cities and counties as the risk of AI spreading during the winter season has reached its peak, and has launched high-intensity preventive measures.

According to Jeonbuk Province on January 5, a 'Video Conference for Inspecting Avian Influenza Prevention Measures' was held the previous day, attended by deputy heads of the 14 cities and counties in the province, to conduct a thorough review of each region's response status.

This meeting was convened as a response to the nationwide outbreak of highly pathogenic AI, the recent sharp drop in temperatures, and the full-scale migration of wild birds, all of which have increased the likelihood of the virus entering the province. Tensions among quarantine authorities have risen further since the H5 antigen was additionally detected at a broiler breeder farm in Iksan City on January 4.

The province plans to strengthen monitoring activities for poultry farms and continuously inspect the operation of disinfection facilities at key locations. Basic preventive measures, such as thorough disinfection inside and outside farms and restricting access by outsiders, will be managed with a focus on on-site implementation. A 24-hour emergency response system will be maintained to enable immediate initial action in case of suspicious symptoms.

At the meeting, Kim Jonghun, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs, stated, "During this high-risk period of falling temperatures, the risk of additional outbreaks always exists," and urged, "Each city and county should meticulously re-examine basic preventive measures such as monitoring and disinfection to ensure there are no gaps in our prevention efforts."

He further emphasized, "It is most important that farms themselves have a sense of voluntary prevention, with the mindset of 'I protect my own farm.' Please continue to strengthen guidance and publicity regarding compliance with the five key prevention rules."