Gangjin-gun Holds Resolution Meeting to Implement High Pathogenic AI Prevention and Quarantine Measures

Published 09 Nov.2021 10:18(KST)

Livestock Farmers and Over 40 Private Quarantine Officers Pledge to Protect Clean Gangjin

On the 8th, a resolution meeting for the prevention of highly pathogenic AI was held in the main conference room of Gangjin County Office. Photo by Asia Economy

[Gangjin＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] Ahead of the peak winter migratory bird season, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, held a resolution meeting on the 8th at the county office's large conference room with livestock farmers and other quarantine stakeholders to commit to blocking and preventing highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI).

According to the county on the 9th, the event was held to achieve a clean Gangjin through successful AI prevention during the winter season.

At the resolution meeting, about 40 people including representatives from chicken and duck farms, private quarantine workers at key disinfection facilities and control posts, veterinarians, and public officials attended. Four representatives read out the practical measures for each group, followed by a banner performance where all participants pledged to implement AI prevention measures.

Farmers resolved to focus on voluntary quarantine with the determination of "I protect my farm," quarantine workers pledged thorough disinfection, and public officials committed to communicating with farmers and striving to establish a better quarantine system, all dedicating themselves to the safe production of livestock products.

Last winter, there were severe outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) with 21 cases reported in 9 cities and counties in Jeollanam-do. However, Gangjin-gun has maintained a clean area free of highly pathogenic AI for over three years since January 2018 by thoroughly disinfecting migratory bird habitats and farm surroundings using wide-area sprayers and water trucks.

Gangjin-gun operates one key disinfection facility and four control posts for AI prevention. During the special quarantine period from October to February, a dedicated poultry officer is assigned to each chicken and duck farm to conduct daily telephone surveillance and guidance. Additionally, livestock vehicles and workers are prohibited from entering migratory bird habitats.

All vehicles entering chicken and duck farms must first be disinfected at the key disinfection facility (entrance of Gangjin Market) before entering the farm.

Furthermore, poultry farms must undergo quarantine inspections and obtain approval before stocking and shipping chickens and ducks, and regular sample testing is conducted monthly.

If highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) occurs in chicken or duck farms, all poultry within a 500m radius must be culled within 24 hours, and preventive culling of the same species within a 3km radius must be carried out within 72 hours.