Highly Pathogenic AI Detected Along Lower Han River in Gimpo... Gyeonggi Province Launches Emergency Containment Measures

10-kilometer surveillance zone designated; outdoor rearing banned at poultry farms
Rice paddies plowed and laser-equipped teams deployed to deter migratory birds and block sources of infection

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has been detected in wild birds along the lower reaches of the Han River in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, prompting the province to launch emergency containment measures.

Wild bird droppings collected on the 19th in Jeollyu-ri, Haseong-myeon, Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, following detailed tests by the National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control. The photo shows a mobile laser service team. Provided by Gyeonggi Province.

Gyeonggi Province announced on October 27 that a detailed test by the National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control confirmed highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in wild bird droppings collected on October 19 in Jeollyu-ri, Haseong-myeon, Gimpo City.

This was the second detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in South Korea this year, following the first in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, on October 20.

With the peak migratory bird season approaching, the province judged that the risk of the virus spreading to nearby poultry farms was high and urgently restricted access to the detection site. It designated the area within a 10-kilometer radius of the site as a “wild bird surveillance zone” and is conducting urgent phone-based surveillance and detailed testing at poultry farms in the area.

The alert level was raised to “serious.” The province has banned outdoor rearing at all poultry farms in the province, shortened testing intervals for each poultry type, and made detailed inspections mandatory before shipment. It is also deploying wide-area disinfection equipment and quarantine vehicles to thoroughly disinfect roads and major access routes around migratory bird habitats at least twice a day.

The province is also promoting the plowing of rice paddies to reduce conditions that attract migratory birds near farms. Teams equipped with lasers are being deployed to deter migratory birds approaching poultry farms.

Disinfection at a migratory bird habitat. Photo courtesy of Gyeonggi-do.

Lee Eunkyung, head of Gyeonggi Province’s Animal Disease Control and Hygiene Division, said, “The detection of highly pathogenic AI antigens in wild birds suggests that the virus may have widely contaminated the environment around farms as well.” She urged farm operators to “avoid entering migratory bird habitats and strictly follow key biosecurity measures, including changing boots, disinfecting hands, and disinfecting the inside and outside of farms every day.”

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