Jeonnam Province Lowers Avian Influenza Alert Level

Decrease in Winter Migratory Bird Population
Alert Level Lowered from "Serious" to "Caution"
Strict Preventive Measures to Continue

Avian Influenza Core Prevention 5 Key Biosecurity Rules Poster. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do lowered the avian influenza (AI) crisis alert from "serious" to "caution" on the 10th. However, as there are still concerns about additional outbreaks in the spring, the province plans to remain vigilant and continue strict guidance and management of preventive measures such as thorough disinfection.

The lowering of the crisis alert is due to the northward migration of winter migratory birds, which has reduced their numbers, and the lifting of all outbreak control zones in Jeollanam-do, resulting in a lower risk of additional outbreaks and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

This winter, five cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza occurred at poultry farms in Jeollanam-do, a 38% decrease compared to the previous year. Despite raising more than 50% of the nation's ducks, the province achieved the lowest number of outbreaks and cullings during the winter season, marking a significant achievement in disease control.

This success is attributed to measures such as restricting duck farming in high-risk areas (117 farms), supporting biosecurity facilities at poultry farms (11.6 billion won), and on-site education to improve farmers' awareness of disease prevention, all of which were made possible by strong cooperation among disease control officials, poultry farms, and related companies.

However, considering that viruses remaining in the environment after the northward migration of migratory birds have led to additional outbreaks in the spring when farm-level biosecurity was insufficient in the past, Jeollanam-do will continue to implement preventive measures such as maintaining pre-shipment testing and disinfection orders for all poultry until the nationwide movement restrictions are lifted.

Additionally, in preparation for next winter, the province plans to further strengthen disinfection facilities in farmyards and focus on intensive on-site education to address shortcomings identified during epidemiological investigations, thereby establishing a stronger disease-free foundation.

Park Hyunsik, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock and Food Bureau of Jeollanam-do, stated, "Viruses in the wild can enter farms at any time," and urged, "Poultry farms must remain vigilant and thoroughly disinfect both inside and outside the farm every day to ensure strict biosecurity."

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