Korea to step up quarantine efforts against avian influenza
Agricultural Minister Chung Hwang-keun chairs a meeting in the central city of Sejong on the country's avian influenza outbreaks, Dec. 14. Yonhap
Korea's agricultural ministry said it will bolster efforts to implement all-out antivirus measures against the recent spread of avian influenza (AI).
The announcement came after Korea reported a total of 10 AI cases this winter season at poultry farms so far since confirming the first infection on Dec. 3 after an eight-month hiatus.
Authorities plan to operate checkpoints at the gates of farms with over 30,000 chickens in North Jeolla Province and enhance disinfection measures in the surrounding areas, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
North Jeolla Province accounted for seven infections so far, followed by two cases in South Jeolla Province and one case in South Chungcheong Province.
"We aim to enhance our inspection and surveillance of poultry farms to ensure adherence to quarantine regulations. We will take stern actions, such as imposing fines, in case of any violations," Agricultural Minister Chung Hwang-keun said.
Chung also called for people to avoid visiting poultry farms if they have recently visited wild bird habitats. (Yonhap)