(Pyeongtaek=Yonhap News) Reporter Kwon Joon-woo = To check the prevention measures for highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) that occurred at a laying hen farm in the western region of Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province, and to prevent further spread, the city held a Disaster Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 15th.
The city received a report of suspected highly pathogenic AI from a laying hen farm owner the previous day and issued an order to cull the livestock.
Following the confirmation of highly pathogenic AI antigen at the farm, preventive culling is planned for farms within a 500-meter radius.
Additionally, measures such as restricting the movement of poultry farms within the quarantine zone, conducting detailed inspections, operating a 24-hour control post at the entrance of the farm, disinfecting vehicles targeting migratory bird arrival sites, expanding the operation of central disinfection facilities, and implementing a project to block wild birds have been decided.
A city official said, "We ask farm owners and local residents to strictly follow quarantine guidelines and refrain from moving around to prevent the spread of AI," and "The city will also make efforts to minimize farm damage caused by additional outbreaks."
Earlier, the Central Incident Response Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic AI announced that highly pathogenic AI antigen was confirmed at a laying hen farm in Pyeongtaek City (approximately 135,000 birds).
This is the first case of highly pathogenic AI at a laying hen farm in the winter of 2025-2026. Previously, highly pathogenic AI occurred at poultry farms in Paju, Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, and Gwangju City in Gyeonggi Province.