(Pyeongtaek=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Kwang-ho = Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province announced on the 11th that it will strengthen inspections on fishing activities along the banks of major rivers, including Anseong River and Jinwi River, until the end of February next year to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) as the arrival of migratory birds in winter intensifies. All rivers in the Pyeongtaek region, except for some fishing spots, are currently designated as fishing prohibition zones. Jinwi River and Osan River, which are national rivers in Pyeongtaek, and all sections of local rivers are classified as high-risk areas for virus spread due to the large number of migratory birds inhabiting these areas. In particular, when fishing along the riverbanks, there is a possibility of the virus spreading to other areas through the movement of boots, wheeled equipment, and fishing chairs, necessitating focused management. A city official said, "Virus response is most important in blocking highly pathogenic AI" and asked for the active cooperation of all citizens in prohibiting fishing activities in the rivers.