Agriculture minister calls for thorough disinfection measures amid bird flu outbreaks

An official disinfects a vehicle near a poultry farm in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, Jan. 6. Yonhap

Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung on Wednesday urged officials to carry out thorough disinfection measures amid concerns over additional avian influenza outbreaks during the bird migration season.

Song made the remark during her visit to a disinfection facility in Eumseong, 91 kilometers south of Seoul, as the country had reported 21 confirmed cases of avian influenza this winter season as of Monday.

The agriculture ministry said around three to four confirmed cases have been reported each week since December, possibly suggesting wide spreading of the animal disease.

The most recent case was reported at a duck farm in Gimjae, 194 kilometers south of Seoul.

"Epidemiological investigations conducted on farms infected with avian influenza revealed many of them violated basic quarantine measures, including failing to wear protective suits and boots, as well as inadequate disinfection for visitors and vehicles," Song said.

Song also urged officials to remain vigilant throughout this month, as there is a possibility of the virus spreading through migratory birds traveling to South Korea during the winter season.

"We ask officials to utilize all available resources to carry out disinfection operations at poultry farms and other vulnerable areas, including habitats of migratory birds," Song said. (Yonhap)