Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected at Suwon Woncheon Lake... Access Restricted Until February 3

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has been detected at Woncheon Lake in Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province.

Suwon City has restricted access to certain sections of the lower walkway (wooden deck path) around Woncheon Lake and conducted disinfection in the surrounding area where the virus was detected. Disinfection mats have also been installed near the walkway.

Previously, on January 13, Suwon City collected the carcass of a greater white-fronted goose from Woncheon Lake and requested an avian influenza test from the National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention. On January 14, a preliminary test detected the 'H5 antigen,' and on January 17, the final test confirmed the presence of 'highly pathogenic avian influenza.'

The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of the Livestock Hygiene and Quarantine Support Headquarters assisted with initial quarantine measures, disinfecting the area around the detection site and installing banners to restrict access. Suwon City will restrict access to the lower section of Woncheon Lake’s walkway (wooden deck path) until February 3.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a dead goose at Woncheon Lake in Suwon City. Suwon City will restrict citizen access until February 3. Photo by Suwon City

A 10-kilometer radius around the detection site has been designated as a wild bird surveillance zone, with monitoring being strengthened. The surveillance area includes migratory bird habitats such as Gwanggyo, Ilwol, Woncheon, and Shindae Reservoirs, Manseokgeo, and Hwangguji Stream. Households raising poultry will also be subject to enhanced monitoring and ongoing disinfection efforts.

Suwon City will intensify surveillance of wild birds exhibiting abnormal behavior and carcasses, and will immediately collect and test any carcasses found.

On January 16, a carcass of an egret was collected near Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion and submitted for avian influenza testing.

A Suwon City official stated, "We ask for citizens’ active cooperation with the access control measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza," and advised, "When walking near reservoirs or rivers, please avoid contact with migratory birds and maintain a safe distance."