Government: "Migratory bird influx to increase until January next year... High risk of highly pathogenic AI in poultry"

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Avian Influenza (AI) urged poultry farmers on the 15th to remain vigilant and thoroughly prepare, as there is a high risk of highly pathogenic AI occurring in poultry farms until January next year.

According to the headquarters, as of this day this fall, highly pathogenic AI has been confirmed at three poultry farms: a quail farm in Eumseong, Chungbuk, a meat duck farm in Eumseong, and a meat duck farm in Naju, Jeonnam. During the same period, there have been four cases of highly pathogenic AI detected in wild birds. The headquarters warned that since the influx of migratory birds during winter will increase until January next year, the risk of highly pathogenic AI occurring in poultry farms is high. If highly pathogenic AI spreads to layer farms, it could also affect egg supply.

The headquarters first shortened the inspection cycle for poultry farms within a 3 km radius of farms where highly pathogenic AI occurred from once a week to once every five days. The surveillance range for wild birds was expanded from existing migratory bird habitats to include small streams, reservoirs, and farmland around farms. The risk of AI occurrence at farms is evaluated every two weeks, and the scope of preventive culling is adjusted proportionally to the risk level. They are also operating a "Disease Management Grading System" that grants exemption from preventive culling to layer farms that thoroughly implement biosecurity measures.

Additionally, special quarantine inspections are being conducted on poultry farms and livestock facilities until the end of February next year, and if disinfection facilities are not installed at farm and livestock barn side entrances, closure is enforced. Kim Hyun-soo, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and head of the central headquarters, said, "All farms where highly pathogenic AI occurred had biosecurity vulnerabilities," and emphasized, "Farm workers must strictly adhere to biosecurity guidelines."

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