Winter Migratory Birds 1.48 Million... Ministry of Environment Maintains AI Emergency Response System

AI-Related Anatidae Bird Population Down by 150,000 Compared to Previous Month

Distribution status of Anatidae birds (ducks, geese, swans) nationwide in January.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] With approximately 1.48 million winter migratory birds confirmed nationwide, the Ministry of Environment has decided to maintain an emergency response system to prevent the spread of avian influenza (AI) among wild birds.

The Ministry of Environment announced on the 21st that, based on a three-day survey starting from the 15th conducted by the National Institute of Biological Resources and covering 206 major migratory bird habitats nationwide, a total of 196 species and about 1.48 million winter migratory birds were confirmed across the country.

Analysis showed that the total number of winter migratory birds decreased by approximately 90,000 (6%↓) compared to the previous month and by about 150,000 (9.3%↓) compared to the same month last year.

The population of AI-related Anatidae birds (ducks, geese, and swans) also decreased by about 150,000 (13.1%↓) compared to the previous month. In particular, the number of geese dropped by 37.2% compared to the previous month (from 349,950 to 219,752). The Ministry of Environment estimates that this decline is due to the recent sharp drop in temperature, which depleted food resources in existing habitats, causing the birds to disperse into smaller groups and move out of survey areas or migrate abroad to southern China and other regions.

The Ministry of Environment will immediately inform relevant agencies of the results of this January winter migratory bird survey and maintain the emergency response system to prevent the spread of avian influenza, as AI is expected to continue occurring until the northward migration period from February to April.

Surveillance will continue at 87 designated migratory bird habitats under constant monitoring, with special focus on areas confirmed to have large populations of Anatidae birds such as Geumgang Lake, Dongnim Reservoir, the middle and lower reaches of Mangyeong River, and the coastal areas between Muan and Mokpo. These areas will be designated as intensive surveillance zones, with weekly fecal sample collection and concentrated monitoring activities planned.

Additionally, in cooperation with local governments, periodic surveillance will be conducted at 254 selected small rivers nationwide. Prompt collection and disposal of wild bird carcasses and other unusual findings will be carried out to prevent further spread in surrounding areas.

Park Yeon-jae, Director of Natural Conservation Policy at the Ministry of Environment, stated, "Considering the survey results, migratory birds still form a large population in our country, and continuous AI outbreaks are expected. We will maintain heightened vigilance and actively respond by monitoring and inspecting quarantine status to prevent the spread of AI."

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