CHANGWON — Highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in wild birds worldwide 2,821 times this year, up 97% from the same period a year earlier. South Gyeongsang Province has concluded that the risk of the virus entering the country is higher than in previous years and will restrict livestock vehicle access to migratory bird habitats in the province starting in October.
The province said on the 21st that it will control access by poultry-related livestock vehicles at 10 major migratory bird sites and 14 checkpoints in the province for five months, from Oct. 1 through the end of February next year. Vehicles carrying feed, manure, eggs, rice hulls and live animals are covered.
The restricted areas include major migratory bird habitats such as Junam Reservoir in Changwon, Upo Wetland in Changnyeong, Sacheon Bay and Hwapocheon Stream in Gimhae, as well as areas of concern such as Sannaecheon Stream in Hapcheon, where the virus was detected last year.
The province will issue an administrative order after a guidance and publicity campaign through the end of this month and begin enforcement in October. Signs and banners will be installed at the sites. When a vehicle approaches a restricted section, a radio frequency identification device will automatically play a voice message directing the driver to a detour.
Once highly pathogenic avian influenza is detected in wild birds in South Korea, livestock vehicles that violate the control measures may face fines of up to 10 million won ($7,200) under the Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Diseases.
Jeong Chang-geun, head of the province's animal disease control division, warned of the global spread of the H5N1 strain and urged farms to refrain from visiting migratory bird habitats and to repair barrier facilities such as nets and deterrent devices.
