Miryang-si Commits to Preventing AI Incidents at All Costs

Miryang-si, Gyeongnam is conducting AI outbreak prevention disinfection using vehicles. (Photo by Miryang-si)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Miryang City in Gyeongnam Province is putting all its efforts into preventing the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) within the region as the disease spreads nationwide.

Highly pathogenic AI, a first-class legally designated infectious disease, has occurred at 51 farms nationwide as of the 12th since it first appeared on November 26 last year in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk. Recently, it has also been detected in duck farms in Jinju and Geochang, Gyeongnam, indicating its spread within the Gyeongnam area.

Miryang City, which experienced an AI outbreak in 2014, has established a key disinfection facility at the Miryang Livestock Market to ensure no recurrence, conducting quarantine measures on all livestock vehicles related to poultry.

In particular, control posts have been set up at Muan-myeon, where poultry farming is prevalent, and at the entrance of Miryang IC to restrict the entry of livestock-related vehicles.

Additionally, to prevent transmission by wild birds, the Livestock Cooperative Joint Disinfection Team and city-owned vehicles disinfect reservoirs, small streams around poultry farms daily, and dedicated public officials are assigned to poultry farms to conduct daily phone surveillance and provide quarantine guidance. AI testing is also being strengthened during poultry shipment and receipt to fully prevent outbreaks.

Cheon Seong-woo, Head of the Livestock Technology Division, stated, “Preemptive blocking before the outbreak of highly pathogenic AI is very important, so not only the city’s role but also active quarantine efforts by farms are necessary,” urging farms to cooperate in blocking and quarantine measures themselves.

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