Gyeonggi Province Issues Alert for Low-Pathogenic Avian Influenza Across Entire Region

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gapdong] Gyeonggi Province issued an alert for low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) across the entire province effective April 15.

Since February, a total of 18 cases have been detected in 7 cities including Pocheon, Dongducheon, Anseong, Icheon, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and Yongin, with 9 cases detected between April 1-10, prompting concerns about further spread.

Low-pathogenic avian influenza is classified as a Class 3 livestock infectious disease caused by the H9N2 avian influenza virus. Main symptoms include respiratory symptoms (runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing), gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, reduced appetite), and decreased egg production (reduced egg output, production of malformed eggs). It is a representative productivity-reducing disease requiring vigilance as damage is amplified through co-infections with E. coli or infectious bronchitis in chickens.

While cases of LPAI in the province have decreased compared to 2023 and 2024, concerns about spread have intensified as cases have surged this month.

The province urged strict implementation of quarantine measures to prevent LPAI damage, including △installation and operation of disinfection facilities at farm entrances △minimizing entry of outsiders and vehicles △wearing protective suits and disinfection when vaccination teams enter farms △conducting disinfection inside and outside farms at least twice weekly △installing and maintaining nets inside livestock facilities △conducting daily clinical observations, and other basic quarantine protocols.

Shin Byeong-ho, director of the Gyeonggi Provincial Veterinary Service Laboratory, emphasized, "Strict biosecurity is the only way to minimize damage from low-pathogenic avian influenza," and urged "poultry farms to strictly comply with movement restriction regulations and report any suspected symptoms immediately."