African Swine Fever Followed by Avian Influenza... Authorities and Farmers on Alert Amid Successive Livestock Diseases (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Following African Swine Fever (ASF), a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has emerged, putting related domestic farms on high alert.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 25th that a detailed examination of wild bird droppings collected in Cheonan, Chungnam on the 21st confirmed the presence of H5N8 highly pathogenic AI. This is the first confirmed case of AI in wild birds in South Korea in 2 years and 8 months.

Earlier, when the Ministry detected H5-type AI antigen suspected to be highly pathogenic in the wild bird droppings, it took preemptive measures by restricting access to the collection site and imposing movement controls on 188 poultry farms within a 10 km radius.

Following the confirmation, the Ministry decided to implement strengthened quarantine measures.

An order banning entry of people and vehicles within a 500 m radius of the antigen detection site has been issued, and compliance will be monitored through control posts. Entry of livestock vehicles is prohibited in the livestock vehicle control zones of migratory bird habitats located in Cheonan, Asan, and Sejong, three cities/counties included in the wild bird quarantine zone (10 km radius).

Nationwide, free-range poultry farming is banned, and small-scale farms in designated intensive quarantine management areas are prohibited from buying or selling poultry to other farms. To strengthen quarantine in traditional markets, poultry sales outlets in traditional markets in Cheonan City will be suspended until movement restrictions are lifted.

Distribution of live chicks under 70 days old and ducks is banned in traditional markets and garden-style restaurants nationwide.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although no additional confirmed cases have appeared, quarantine measures related to pig farms and distribution markets where recent ASF cases were confirmed have been further strengthened.

According to the ASF Central Accident Response Headquarters, all 286 pig farms in border areas tested negative after sample collection from 312 sites was completed as of the previous day. No abnormalities were found in clinical examinations.

The Central Response Headquarters is conducting intensive disinfection in Hwacheon County, where ASF-positive wild boars were found, while also providing on-site guidance on nationwide quarantine rules. Mass vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease for cattle and goats is currently underway nationwide.

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