Gyeonggi-do Controls Access to Migratory Bird Habitats to Prevent Avian Influenza

9.15~2023.2 'Migratory Bird Habitat Livestock Vehicle Access Control Zones' Established
17 Sections and 101 Points in the Province‥Up to 10 Million KRW Fine for Violations

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gyeonggi Province announced on the same day that it will establish and operate a "Migratory Bird Habitat Livestock Vehicle Access Control Zone" from September 15 to February 28 of next year to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus and block its entry into farms.

Based on past epidemiological investigations, since livestock vehicles were one of the biggest factors in the introduction of highly pathogenic AI virus into farms, the province plans to take preemptive measures to prevent these vehicles from passing through areas expected to be contaminated with the virus, such as migratory bird habitats.

The control zones within the province include 101 points across 17 sections such as Namhangang in Yeoju and Paldangho in Gwangju. These were selected focusing on representative migratory bird habitats, past wild bird avian influenza virus detection sites, and riversides near densely populated poultry farms.

The control targets are livestock vehicles related to poultry (transporting poultry, feed, manure, eggs, rice hulls, etc.). When these vehicles attempt to enter the control zones, their vehicle wireless identification devices (GPS) will be detected to automatically issue entry prohibition and voice guidance for detours.

If violated and the vehicle enters the control zone, a fine of up to 10 million KRW will be imposed for violating the "Livestock Infectious Disease Prevention Act (Article 19, Paragraph 1, Item 6)".

To ensure that visitors to migratory bird habitats and livestock vehicle drivers can easily recognize the access control zones, banners and signboards will be installed on-site. For areas requiring special management, control posts will be operated to directly control the entry of people and vehicles.

The province and city/counties will go through a "guidance and publicity period" until the 30th and plan to fully implement the measures starting in October.

In the event of a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak, quarantine zones will be immediately established in the affected areas to enforce access control and initial quarantine measures.

From October this year to February next year, the province plans to operate a special avian influenza quarantine period, promoting the operation of base cleaning and disinfection facilities, installation of control posts at vulnerable farms, restrictions on duck farming, enhanced detailed inspections, and a dedicated public official system.

Kim Jong-hoon, Director of the Animal Quarantine and Hygiene Division, said, "The possibility of domestic introduction of avian influenza due to migratory birds this winter has increased," and urged, "Poultry farm workers and livestock vehicle operators must strictly follow quarantine rules to avoid visiting migratory bird habitats."

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