AI suspected outbreak in Cheonan, Chungnam... Full effort to prevent spread

[Asia Economy (Cheonan) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] In Cheonan, Chungnam, a suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) case (H5 type) has occurred, prompting quarantine authorities to launch a detailed investigation.

According to Chungnam Province and Cheonan City on the 15th, a report was received the previous day that a decorative goose died at an experience farm located in Cheonan. The Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory conducted tests and detected suspected AI antigens.

The experience farm where the report was received is raising 42 geese and 5 ducks.

Accordingly, the province immediately culled and buried the 47 geese and ducks raised at the experience farm, established quarantine zones in the city and county, and strengthened quarantine measures such as movement restrictions and disinfection centered on the affected farm.

In addition, movement restrictions, surveillance, and detailed inspections were conducted on 164 poultry farms located within a 10 km radius, but no unusual cases such as deaths were found.

The province plans to focus on strengthening farm-level quarantine measures to prevent the nationwide spread of highly pathogenic AI through local experience farms by checking the emergency response posture of the situation room, enhancing disinfection in vulnerable areas such as duck farms, extending the nationwide rat-catching week, applying quicklime at farm entrances, disinfecting inside and outside livestock sheds, and changing boots.

Meanwhile, prior to Cheonan, highly pathogenic AI occurred at a meat duck farm in Jeongeup City, Jeonbuk Province on the 26th of last month, and since then, 13 additional cases have occurred in a total of 5 provinces (7 cities/counties).

A provincial official said, “Chungnam is facing concerns about AI occurrence again after 2 years and 9 months since AI occurred at a laying hen farm in Asan in March 2018,” and added, “The province will make every effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic AI in the region.”

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