Andong-si Deploys Volunteer Firefighters for Blocking and Quarantine of 'Highly Pathogenic AI'

Establishing a Cooperative System with Andong Fire Station

Andong area volunteer firefighters are conducting high pathogenicity AI quarantine operations.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Dong-wook] Andong City in Gyeongbuk announced on the 13th that it is strengthening quarantine activities by establishing a cooperative system with the Andong Fire Station targeting about 500 small-scale poultry farms, in response to the nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI).

After the occurrence of highly pathogenic AI in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk at the end of last month and in Sangju, Gyeongbuk on December 2, Andong City has required inspection approval for poultry movement and supported farm-level quarantine activities by distributing disinfectants and quicklime to commercial-scale poultry farms.

Recently, considering the further spread of highly pathogenic AI, a cooperative system with the Andong Fire Station has been established, and about 600 volunteer firefighters have been deployed on-site to eliminate quarantine blind spots for approximately 500 small-scale poultry farms (with fewer than 3,000 birds).

The head of the Livestock Promotion Division of Andong City said, "Since highly pathogenic AI is spreading nationwide, we must not let our guard down even for a moment," and urged, "Farmers should strictly adhere to the four-step disinfection guidelines, including establishing a quicklime belt at the farm entrance and surrounding areas."

Meanwhile, highly pathogenic AI was first confirmed in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk on November 28. Initially, cases occurred at intervals of 3 to 4 days (December 1 in Sangju, December 5 in Yeongam, Jeonnam), but recently, 1 to 2 cases have been continuously reported daily. As of the 13th, it has spread to 7 cities and counties in 5 metropolitan areas nationwide, including Yeoju, Gyeonggi on the 7th, Eumseong, Chungbuk on the 8th, Naju, Jeonnam and Yeoju, Gyeonggi on the 9th, and Naju and Jangseong, Jeonnam on the 10th.

Additionally, highly pathogenic AI in wild birds, first confirmed on October 25 in Bonggangcheon, Cheonan, Chungnam, has been detected 25 times nationwide at migratory bird habitats, including confirmation on December 7 at Hyeongsangang River in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk.

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