New zoo disease rules aim to curb outbreaks across Korea

Visitors watch giraffes at the safari in Everland, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Yonhap

The National Institute of Wildlife Disease Control and Prevention issued a sweeping set of biosecurity protocols for the country’s 121 registered zoos, Wednesday, in an effort to strengthen defenses against zoonotic outbreaks that threaten both animal populations and public health.

The new “Zoo Disease Management Guidelines,” released by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, establish standardized response triggers for the first time. The rollout is intended to tighten what has been a patchwork of local prevention measures, with a focus on limiting cross-species transmission and safeguarding the health of animals in captivity as the risk of wildlife-borne diseases rises globally.

The guidelines were developed under the Zoo and Aquarium Management Act and are intended to support zookeepers, veterinarians and related personnel in carrying out their duties more effectively, the institute said.

They outline step-by-step actions to take in the event of disease outbreaks, along with practical instructions for routine disease control. The document also includes checklists and record forms for clinical inspections and autopsies, procedures for collecting and submitting samples and standards for carcass disposal, disinfection and quarantine.

In addition, the guidelines provide a structured crisis response framework, including an overview of the ministry’s infectious disease alert system, crisis warning levels and corresponding actions, as well as roles and responsibilities for relevant agencies.

Detailed protocols are also included for different scenarios, such as routine disease management, suspected cases and confirmed outbreaks.

The institute said it plans to launch a regular network forum for zoo disease management officials starting in November to promote practical use of the guidelines and encourage information sharing among institutions.

Lee Chang-kyu, head of the institute, said the agency will continue efforts to support the health and safety of animals in zoos.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.