Yeoncheon County Activates Disaster and Safety Response Headquarters After H5 Avian Influenza Outbreak at Layer Farm

Access restricted at farm raising 91,000 laying hens
Detailed testing planned at 18 farms in the quarantine zone

An H5 avian influenza (AI) outbreak at a layer farm in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, has prompted the county to activate its disaster and safety response headquarters and take measures to prevent the disease from spreading.

Yeoncheon County has activated its Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters after an outbreak of H5 avian influenza (AI) at a local layer farm. Photo provided by Yeoncheon County.

Yeoncheon County said on November 4 that it received a report of suspected AI on November 3 after chickens died at a layer farm in Dosin-ri, Sinseo-myeon, and confirmed an H5 strain at 8 a.m. on November 4. The farm raises about 91,000 laying hens.

The county held a situation assessment meeting chaired by the deputy county chief to discuss response measures and activated its disaster and safety response headquarters that day. Relevant departments have begun emergency shifts in the disaster situation room and are managing the situation and supporting disease control efforts.

The county is restricting access to and movement from the affected farm and proceeding with preparations for a culling order. It plans to conduct detailed AI tests on November 4 and 5 at 18 farms within the quarantine zone. Dedicated public officials have been assigned to 26 poultry farms to conduct telephone monitoring and check disease control measures.

The county will also step up disinfection using wide-area disinfection vehicles and joint disinfection teams from livestock cooperatives. It is working to operate disinfection stations and set up a feed transshipment site, and will provide vaccinations and safety training for personnel participating in culling. The county plans to advise farms to follow disease control guidelines, including changing boots when entering and disinfecting the interiors of poultry houses daily.

A Yeoncheon County official said, "We are working closely with relevant agencies, with the disaster and safety response headquarters at the center. We will mobilize all available resources to respond swiftly and thoroughly to prevent further spread."

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