(Changwon=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Sun-kyung = Changwon City, Gyeongnam Province announced that starting from the 10th, access to Yangdeokcheon Stream and parts of Sanhocheon Stream will be restricted due to confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) in Yangdeokcheon Stream. On the 4th at around 6 PM, one egret and one heron were found dead in Yangdeokcheon Stream. The city conducted AI tests on the dead birds, and the egret was confirmed to have highly pathogenic AI, while the heron was negative for AI. Accordingly, the city plans to maintain the access restriction until the 25th, and if additional AI viruses are detected, the restriction period will be extended. The city will strengthen wildlife observation in Yangdeokcheon and Sanhocheon areas for the time being, and continue disinfection work using disinfection vehicles. The city requested residents to refrain from outdoor activities, such as walking, in the restricted area and nearby regions. If a wild bird suspected of having AI is found, it should be reported to the City Environmental Policy Division (☎055-225-3451). Lee Yoo-jung, Director of the Climate and Environment Bureau, urged everyone to cooperate with the prevention activities, including strictly adhering to the access restriction measures to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic AI. ksk@yna.co.kr