Gyeonggi-do Begins 'Restocking' at Farms with Highly Pathogenic AI

Gyeonggi Province is initiating the restocking procedures for farms affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI).

The Gyeonggi Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory announced on the 22nd that it will gradually begin restocking farms where highly pathogenic avian influenza occurred last winter, starting with those that have completed inspections of cleaning, disinfection status, and quarantine measures.

Previously, during the winter of 2022-2023, 12 cases of highly pathogenic AI were reported at poultry farms in eight cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province, including Yongin, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, Icheon, Anseong, Gimpo, Yeoncheon, and Goyang.

According to the newly strengthened pre-restocking inspection plan, for farms where quarantine zones have been lifted, a three-step inspection will be conducted: first, an inspection by affiliated companies; second, a joint inspection by the provincial and city/county authorities; and third, an inspection by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.

Afterward, environmental tests to confirm the absence of the virus and a two-week restocking trial must be passed to obtain final approval from the Quarantine Agency, allowing restocking.

The Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory is promoting pre-restocking inspections of affected farms in cooperation with city and county authorities.

Lee Gyu-hyun, Director of the Provincial Animal Hygiene Laboratory, stated, "To prevent recurrence, we will strengthen risk factor inspections for affected farms and swiftly proceed with restocking procedures so that farms meeting the standards can normalize as soon as possible."