Jeonnam Lowers AI Crisis Alert to 'Caution'... All Quarantine Zones Lifted

Basic Biosecurity Measures to Continue Despite Lifting of Administrative Orders
Preparedness Maintained for Possible Spring Resurgence with Ongoing Emergency Response Operations

Jeollanam-do has lowered its avian influenza (AI) crisis response level as the spread of the disease has subsided. However, the province has decided to maintain a heightened state of biosecurity due to seasonal factors and past occurrences.

Jeonnam Province announced that, as of May 1, all quarantine zones within the province have been lifted. Accordingly, the avian influenza crisis alert level has been downgraded from "serious" to "caution."

With this measure, all previously implemented administrative orders and biosecurity standards, such as the requirement for livestock vehicles to use designated disinfection facilities and retain disinfection certificates, have been lifted.

In effect, the intensive, control-centered response system has come to an end.

Jeonnam Province lifted all avian influenza quarantine zones across the province as of the 1st.
[Photo by Jeonnam Province]

However, Jeonnam Province explained that biosecurity measures have not been completely discontinued.

Until nationwide movement restrictions are fully lifted, the province will continue to operate its emergency response center and maintain basic measures such as surveillance, precision testing, on-site inspections, and disinfection.

This is due to the ongoing risk of sporadic outbreaks during the spring season.

Lee Youngnam, Director of Animal Quarantine at Jeonnam Province, stated, "The risk of highly pathogenic AI has not entirely disappeared even after the northward migration of wild birds," and emphasized, "As this is a period of increased farming activities, it is essential to strictly follow basic protocols such as using anterooms, changing boots when entering livestock barns, and thoroughly disinfecting both inside and outside of farms."

Meanwhile, this season was particularly challenging due to the prevalence of highly infectious variant viruses and the simultaneous circulation of multiple types. Nevertheless, thanks to proactive movement restrictions and strengthened on-site response policies, there were only 62 cases in 9 cities and provinces nationwide, with Jeonnam reporting 11 cases in 5 cities and counties.

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