"Come See the Migratory Birds"... Access Restrictions Lifted at Junam Reservoir in Changwon

Avian Influenza Situation Stabilizes

During the Lunar New Year holiday, which is Korea's traditional national holiday, citizens and tourists are now likely to be able to watch migratory birds at Junam Reservoir in Changwon.

Changwon Special City in South Gyeongsang Province opened the Junam Reservoir area on February 12, after having restricted access since January 24 to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (hereinafter AI).

Access restrictions at Junam Reservoir in Changwon lifted.

As the migratory season for winter birds began and the national AI crisis alert level was raised to "serious," Changwon City had strengthened monitoring activities for wild birds and animals. On January 20, the city discovered and collected carcasses of whooper swans and greater white-fronted geese and requested detailed testing.

As a result, highly pathogenic AI was confirmed on January 24, and quarantine measures were implemented, including a full closure of the Junam Reservoir trails and ecological learning facilities.

Afterward, two additional carcasses were found, but no AI virus was detected. As there were no AI cases for three weeks and the situation began to stabilize, the city requested an inspection to lift the access restrictions from the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office on February 10. When no AI virus was detected in approximately 100 wild bird fecal samples, Changwon City lifted the access restrictions at Junam Reservoir based on the Standard Operating Procedures for Avian Influenza in Wild Mammals and Birds.

However, since the risk of AI outbreaks has not been completely eliminated until the winter migratory birds move north, the city will lift access restrictions but continue quarantine measures to prevent the spread of AI, including operating disinfection footbaths and disinfecting vehicles.

Seo Younghyeok, head of the Junam Reservoir Division, said, "With Junam Reservoir opening ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, we expect many visitors," adding, "We will continue to implement thorough quarantine measures, prioritizing the safety of citizens and poultry farmers above all else."