The government is enhancing biosecurity measures for large layer farms and poultry farming clusters in preparation for the winter influx of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI). Authorities will check the implementation of pre-registration for personnel and vehicles entering farms and focus on preventing missed vaccinations in response to sporadic outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.
On October 15, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held a special meeting to review biosecurity measures for preventing livestock infectious diseases during the winter and to assess the compliance of local governments and related agencies.
This year, cases of highly pathogenic AI among wild birds have more than doubled compared to last year. According to the Ministry of Environment, the number of wild ducks in key migratory bird habitats, including the Han River estuary, Shihwa Lake, and Sapgyo Lake, increased from 6,448 last September to 18,678, nearly a 2.9-fold rise. The Ministry of Agriculture is concerned about the increased risk of domestic virus entry as migratory birds return.
In response, the government has designated a special biosecurity period from October 1 to February 28, focusing on high-risk areas and farms. Notably, half of the 62 cases of highly pathogenic AI reported last winter occurred in layer farms, prompting a focus on pre-management of large layer farms and clusters.
A new pre-registration system for personnel and vehicles will be implemented at large layer farms. Previously, a three-step biosecurity system required entry through disinfection facilities and farm control checkpoints. This will now be expanded to a four-step system with the addition of pre-registration. The Ministry of Agriculture has urged local governments to ensure the effective operation of this biosecurity system on the ground.
Management and supervision of compliance with basic biosecurity rules among livestock farms will also be strengthened. Related agencies, including the Animal Quarantine Agency and the Animal Health Agency, have been instructed to carry out wild bird surveillance and disinfection in high-risk areas without fail, and to ensure immediate response capabilities in the event of AI antigen detection or suspected cases.
In response to sporadic outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, thorough disinfection around affected farms is being prioritized, along with a focus on ensuring that no animals are missed during vaccination efforts.
Preparations are also underway to prevent the entry of foot-and-mouth disease SAT1 strain from China and Mongolia. Vaccination in high-risk areas was completed on July 5, and additional vaccinations are planned for early next year in medium-risk areas. The government aims to secure 10 million doses of vaccine by the end of this year and plans to stockpile a total of 32 million doses by next year.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung emphasized, "To prevent the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza and other livestock infectious diseases this winter, the government, related agencies, and farmers must work together. I urge livestock farmers to strictly adhere to basic biosecurity measures such as disinfection and handwashing."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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