Gyeonggi Province Lifts All Movement Restrictions in Avian Influenza Quarantine Zones

Gyeonggi Province announced on April 26 that, starting from April 24, it has lifted movement restrictions for all poultry farms in designated quarantine zones within the province, downgraded the avian influenza crisis alert to the "Caution" level, and eased all enhanced disease control measures that were implemented during the special disease control period.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

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The province designated the period from October last year to April 15 this year-when the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza was high-as a "Special Avian Influenza Disease Control Period," during which enhanced control measures were put in place.

Key measures included: expanding the frequency of routine inspections for all poultry species during the rearing period and making pre-shipment inspections mandatory; restricting the rearing of high-risk species such as ducks; operating bird movement guidance teams to prevent wild birds from approaching farms; assigning dedicated veterinary supervisors to large-scale layer farms; and conducting periodic environmental inspections at disinfection facilities and for vehicles entering and exiting these locations.

As a result of these new measures, the avian influenza crisis alert in the province has been adjusted to the "Caution" level, and all restrictions and mandatory control guidelines for poultry farms-such as regulations for vehicles transporting eggs, feed, and manure; requirements for workers, facility visitors, traditional market vendors, and trading merchants-have been relaxed.

However, poultry farms must continue to strictly observe basic disease prevention protocols, and preventive measures such as avian influenza monitoring and regular inspections will remain in effect.

Lee Eunkyung, Director of the Animal Disease Control and Hygiene Division in Gyeonggi Province, stated, "Even though all quarantine zones within the province have been lifted, the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been completely eliminated. In recent years, the disease has become endemic, occurring year-round, so we cannot let our guard down. We urge poultry farms to remain vigilant and focus on robust farm biosecurity measures."

During this winter season, cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza first emerged on September 12 last year at a native chicken farm in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Over approximately seven months, a total of 62 cases occurred at poultry farms across 31 cities and counties in 9 provinces nationwide, with Gyeonggi Province accounting for 14 cases in 4 cities and counties.

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