Gangjin-gun, Full-Scale Response to AI Outbreak Prevention

Operation of 8 AI Control Posts, Deployment of Water Cannon Trucks, Wide-Area Disinfectors, and Drones

(On the left) Lee Seung-ok, the mayor of Gangjin County, is encouraging the workers at the AI control post and listening to their difficulties. Photo by Gangjin County

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 11th that since December last year, highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) antigen (H5 type) was detected at nearby farms, and they are mobilizing disinfection equipment to fully respond to prevent the spread of AI.

On the 9th, County Governor Lee Seung-ok visited workers at AI control posts and key disinfection facilities who are working under harsh cold conditions to encourage them and urged, "Let us all work together to prevent social disasters through thorough quarantine."

The county is currently deploying three wide-area pest control machines, one 15-ton water spraying vehicle, and five joint pest control team disinfection vehicles to focus disinfection on areas where migratory birds are active, farm entrances, and surrounding small streams.

Additionally, two drones are deployed over freshwater lakes (Mandeokho, Sanaeho) where vehicle access is difficult, conducting aerial disinfection for four hours daily.

To prevent the virus from being transmitted by vehicles and people entering duck farms, eight AI control posts have been established to check whether livestock vehicles have been disinfected and to conduct self-disinfection.

All vehicles attempting to enter chicken and duck farms must complete disinfection at the key disinfection facility operated by the county (in front of Gangjin Market) and carry a disinfection certificate to be allowed entry.

In particular, poultry farmers must receive on-site inspection and approval from quarantine officials before introducing chicks.

Seven days before shipment, pre-reporting and AI antigen testing must be completed with no abnormalities to allow shipment, with strict emphasis on individual animal management.

A county official stated, "To prevent the spread of AI, small-scale farms must strictly prohibit free-range farming, and violations may result in fines under the Livestock Infectious Disease Prevention Act."

Meanwhile, Gangjin-gun has issued an administrative order banning free-range farming (letting chickens and ducks roam freely during winter) until the end of February to prevent contact with wild birds.

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