Farm Breached... High Pathogenicity AI Confirmed at Yuyong Duck Farm in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 28th that highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8) was confirmed at a meat duck farm located in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk. Upon detecting the H5 AI antigen at the farm the previous day, the ministry immediately implemented emergency quarantine measures including restricting access to the farm and preventive culling of the poultry raised there. On the morning of the 28th, culling of approximately 19,000 birds at the affected farm was completed. Follow-up processing such as rendering is also underway.

Additionally, a nationwide standstill order was issued from 00:00 on the 28th until 24:00 on the 29th, applying to all nationwide poultry farms, livestock facilities (feed factories, slaughterhouses, etc.), and livestock vehicles.

In response to this outbreak, the ministry established the "Central Countermeasures Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza," led by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and local quarantine task forces (headed by provincial governors, mayors, county heads, or district chiefs) to implement the highest level of quarantine measures as follows: ▲ Raising the AI crisis alert level from 'Caution' to 'Severe' ▲ Preventive culling of poultry within a 3km radius of the affected farm and a 30-day movement restriction on poultry farms within 10km ▲ A 7-day movement restriction on all poultry farms in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk, the affected area ▲ Strengthened inspections at slaughterhouses operated by the integrated business operator of the affected farm (chicken inspection rate increased from 10% to 20%, duck inspection rate from 30% to 60%) and comprehensive inspections of affiliated farms ▲ Prohibition of live chick and duck distribution at traditional markets nationwide, with weekly closure and disinfection every Wednesday ▲ Full mobilization of available resources such as wide-area disinfectant sprayers, water trucks, military decontamination vehicles, and disinfection helicopters to conduct thorough disinfection of migratory bird habitats, major roads, and farm surroundings.

A ministry official emphasized, "It is more important than ever for all poultry farms nationwide to strictly implement farm-level biosecurity measures such as refraining from visiting nearby small streams, reservoirs, and farmland; establishing a belt of quicklime at farm entrances and surroundings; daily disinfection of farmyards and inside poultry houses; and changing boots when entering poultry houses."

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