Gyeonggi-do Expands Key Disinfection Facilities to Block Avian Influenza

Expansion of 19 Regional Disinfection Facilities in 19 Cities and Counties to 35 Locations by Year-End
Livestock Vehicles Must Pass Through Regional Disinfection Facilities Before Visiting Poultry Farms and Livestock Facilities

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] Gyeonggi Province has designated and activated the period from this month until February next year as the 'Avian Influenza (AI) Special Quarantine Measures Period' and is operating key disinfection facilities on major roads in 19 cities and counties within the province, including Anseong.

In particular, since the 1st of this month, a nationwide administrative order mandating the use of 'livestock vehicle key disinfection facilities' has been issued.

Gyeonggi Province stated on the 17th, "With migratory birds, a major transmission factor of avian influenza, arriving recently, the risk of the virus entering poultry farms has increased. We plan to prevent the spread within farms through livestock vehicles and drivers in advance."

The 'key disinfection facility' is a device that completely removes organic matter attached to the exterior (wheels, sides, etc.) of manure or poultry transport vehicles, which are difficult to clean and disinfect, and sprays disinfectant on the vehicle exterior and inside the driver's cabin.

Livestock vehicle drivers must disinfect at the key disinfection facility before visiting poultry farms or livestock facilities and receive two copies of the disinfection certificate. One copy is kept by the driver, and the other must be submitted to the visited facility.

Violations of this rule are punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Currently, a total of 30 key disinfection facilities are installed and operating 24 hours a day in 19 cities and counties within the province. Considering the spread, the province plans to add five more facilities in Pocheon, Pyeongtaek, Gapyeong, and Icheon by the end of this year, operating a total of 35 facilities.

Kim Jong-hoon, Director of the Animal Quarantine and Hygiene Division, urged, "To prevent the occurrence of avian influenza (AI), livestock vehicle drivers visiting poultry farms and livestock facilities during the special quarantine period must pass through the key disinfection facilities."

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