Prime Minister of Korea issues urgent order to "prevent further spread" due to outbreak of highly pathogenic AI

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Sang-hyun = Prime Minister Han Seong-sook issued an emergency order on the 4th in relation to the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) at a laying hen farm in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, saying, "Be alert and do everything you can to prevent further spread."

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Han was briefed on the situation on this day and gave the following order, saying, "Thoroughly implement quarantine measures according to the emergency action guidelines, such as controlling access to the farm where the outbreak occurred, culling, restricting movement of the farm within the quarantine zone, and disinfecting."

He also emphasized, "To prevent spread between farms, thoroughly manage the temporary movement of poultry farms and related livestock facilities and livestock vehicles."

He then ordered, “The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment should strengthen the surveillance system, including surveillance and inspection of wild birds and control of access to migratory bird habitats, and local governments across the country, including Gyeonggi Province, should strengthen quarantine management by providing guidance and inspection of the quarantine status of laying hen farms in their jurisdiction on a weekly basis.”

Prime Minister Han said, “As highly pathogenic AI occurred for the first time this winter, we must respond preemptively,” adding, “Farms must strictly follow quarantine rules and immediately report to the quarantine authorities if they confirm any symptoms suspected of avian influenza.”