950,000 Winter Migratory Birds Arrive This Month... "Enhanced Avian Influenza Surveillance"

Asia Economy DB=Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The number of winter migratory birds that have arrived in South Korea this month has increased by 64% compared to last month, reaching 950,000. The Ministry of Environment announced that it will further strengthen surveillance for avian influenza.

According to the results of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment and the National Institute of Biological Resources from the 13th for three days, targeting 112 major migratory bird habitats, approximately 950,000 migratory birds of 183 species nationwide have arrived.

The total number of winter migratory birds increased by 64% compared to the previous month, while the number of Anatidae species (ducks, geese, swans) increased by 56%, showing an overall rise in migratory birds.

The Ministry of Environment judged that Anatidae species, which are sensitive to avian influenza, have begun to arrive in earnest, and will strengthen surveillance at migratory bird habitats nationwide.

They plan to increase the number of fecal sample tests for winter migratory birds from 40,000 to 55,000 and expand the number of regularly monitored migratory bird habitats from 63 to 87, actively promoting surveillance activities.

In addition, surveillance efforts will be further concentrated on areas with many migratory birds such as Ganwolho, Namyangman, Sihwaho, Nakdonggang Estuary, and Imjingang.

The Ministry of Environment is also inspecting quarantine management at bird exhibition, viewing, and conservation facilities such as zoos to prevent avian influenza.

Wildlife Disease Management Institute, Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratories, and other wildlife disease diagnostic institutions are thoroughly prepared by continuously receiving and diagnosing reports of suspected avian influenza dead birds.

They provide information on the distribution and movement of Anatidae species sensitive to avian influenza and the results of wild bird avian influenza tests to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and local governments to support farm biosecurity.

Choi Seon-du, head of the Wildlife Disease Management Team at the Ministry of Environment, said, "We are advising people to refrain from visiting migratory bird habitats as much as possible to prevent the spread of avian influenza. If visiting is unavoidable, please strictly manage personal hygiene by disinfecting and wearing masks, and immediately report any dead birds found to local governments and regional (provincial) environmental offices."

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