South Korea strengthens avian influenza quarantine as migratory birds arrive

South Korean authorities are intensifying preventive quarantine measures against highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) as winter migratory birds begin arriving in the country. Recent surveys by the National Institute of Biological Resources at ten major migratory bird sites showed a significant increase in waterfowl populations compared to last September. Notably, in areas such as the Han River estuary, Sihwa Lake, and Sapgyo Lake, waterfowl numbers rose by 53.1%, while Anatidae (duck species) highly susceptible to AI increased by 189.7%, approximately 2.9 times the previous year's levels.

The risk is compounded by data from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), indicating that AI detections in wild birds overseas, including Europe, have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.

In response, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is expanding surveillance sites from 102 to 112 and collaborating with countries like Mongolia and Japan to track bird migration patterns. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has issued high-risk warnings to poultry farms, designated 280 livestock vehicle control zones, and deployed drones and disinfection vehicles. If the virus is detected, authorities will establish a 10km radius surveillance zone and restrict access for 21 days.