(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Yoon-gu = This winter, numerous shortcomings in biosecurity measures were identified at poultry farms where highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) outbreaks occurred. Additionally, it has been reported that the incidence of highly pathogenic AI globally has increased. The Central Incident Response Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic AI announced on the 8th that, given the heightened risk of highly pathogenic AI outbreaks, biosecurity management has been strengthened to prevent further occurrences. Since the outbreak at a native chicken farm in Paju, Gyeonggi Province on September 12, highly pathogenic AI has been detected in 7 domestic poultry farms and 13 wild bird cases to date. Epidemiological investigations revealed that the 7 poultry farms did not adhere to basic biosecurity protocols. According to the Central Incident Response Headquarters, administrative penalties, including fines, and reduced compensation for culled animals will be applied to farms that violate related regulations under the Livestock Infectious Disease Prevention Act. All 7 farms failed to disinfect visitors and did not comply with the regulation to wear dedicated farm clothing and footwear. Several farms also did not follow regulations for disinfecting visitors and vehicles entering the farm. Looking at the international situation, the number of highly pathogenic AI outbreaks in poultry farms in the United States and Europe has increased to about double the number from the same period last year. In particular, there has been an increase in highly pathogenic AI outbreaks in Europe and the United States since September. In Japan, which is close to our country, 6 cases have occurred this winter. In South Korea, three serotypes (H5N1, H5N6, H5N9) were detected for the first time in wild birds, and two serotypes (H5N1, H5N6) were confirmed in poultry farms, the same as during the winter of 2023-2024. Considering the domestic and international situations, the Central Incident Response Headquarters emphasized that highly pathogenic AI can occur anywhere in the country, so it is crucial to strengthen biosecurity measures at each farm and to promptly report any suspected symptoms to the relevant authorities. Director of the Disease Control Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Dong-sik, noted that "based on past situations, highly pathogenic AI occurs most frequently from December to January" and urged poultry farms to strictly adhere to biosecurity protocols. ykim@yna.co.kr