Enhanced Measures to Combat Livestock Infectious Diseases in Gyeonggi Province

Gyeonggi Province has designated the period from October to February of next year as the ‘Special Quarantine Measures Period for Avian Influenza (AI), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)’ to respond to catastrophic livestock infectious diseases.

The province is taking proactive measures due to the high possibility of livestock infectious diseases occurring in winter, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza from infected migratory birds and wild boars approaching farms for winter feeding activities. A 24-hour emergency system will be maintained and strengthened, with quarantine measures prepared for each disease to be managed until next spring.

Avian Influenza Prevention Measures

To prevent avian influenza from entering farms, the province will operate and monitor livestock vehicle control areas near migratory bird habitats, implement intensive disinfection of roads and poultry farms, and clean and disinfect livestock vehicle bases. The number of facilities to prevent the spread will be expanded from 27 to 37.

Measures to strengthen biosecurity management include:

• Banning livestock vehicles and workers from entering migratory bird habitats
• Banning the distribution of live poultry to traditional markets
• Restricting the movement of poultry waste vehicles between cities and provinces
• Banning the shared use of livestock tools and equipment between poultry farms
• Prohibiting the entry of vehicles and visitors into farms

These measures will be implemented through administrative orders and notices starting October 1.

African Swine Fever Prevention Measures

To prevent the introduction of African Swine Fever by wild boars, the province will strengthen disinfection around farms, main roads, and the Imjin River water area using wide-area pest control machines and decontamination vehicles. Guidance will be provided through banners and text messages to refrain from hiking in affected areas.

During the special quarantine period, special management and inspection will be carried out, focusing on farms in areas of concern such as farm outbreaks and detection of wild boars.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Prevention Measures

Thorough vaccination is crucial in preventing foot-and-mouth disease. Vaccinations will be conducted simultaneously for artiodactyl farms such as cattle and goats for two weeks from October 1 to 14. An antibody positivity rate monitoring test will be conducted 4 weeks after vaccination, and farms with low antibody positivity rates or negligent vaccination management will be subject to measures such as imposing fines, additional vaccinations, and guidance inspections.

Starting in October, the movement of cow and pig manure outside the region will be restricted to block the spread of the virus between farms.