Chungnam Strengthens Surveillance of Migratory Bird Habitats to Prevent Avian Influenza

A mallard is flapping its wings by the riverside. The photo is unrelated to the article. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

[Asia Economy (Naepo) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Chungnam Province is strengthening surveillance of migratory bird habitats to prevent avian influenza (AI).

According to the province on the 14th, every year from October to April of the following year, about 300,000 birds including geese and ducks visit Chungnam to spend the winter.

The issue is that AI outbreaks have surged in neighboring countries such as Taiwan and Vietnam, which share the same migratory routes as South Korea, raising concerns about the spread of AI domestically.

Accordingly, the Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory plans to strengthen surveillance targeting 13 major migratory bird habitats in Chungnam to block AI introduction through wild birds. The aim is to conduct fecal tests on major migratory bird habitats earlier than last year as a preemptive measure.

The number of fecal tests will also increase from about 3,900 last year to about 5,200. In addition, detailed inspections will be intensified for areas where ducks, which have a high possibility of latent AI infection, mainly inhabit, such as Geumgangho, Cheonsuman, and Sapgyoho, and response capabilities will be enhanced step-by-step according to migratory bird arrival situations, explained the Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory.

Previously, the laboratory conducted year-round continuous inspections totaling 10,200 cases focusing on risk factors such as ducks with a high possibility of latent AI infection, breeding chickens, laying hens, and biosecurity-vulnerable facilities.

Kim Young-jin, head of the Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory, said, “We will focus on preemptive measures to prevent AI in wild birds by strengthening surveillance. We also urge local poultry farms to intensify disinfection and strengthen biosecurity activities to prevent AI recurrence.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.