The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that it will transition the avian influenza (AI) prevention system to a normal state system starting the 13th. The AI crisis alert level has also been lowered by one step from the previous 'caution' level to the 'interest' level.
Since Oct. 29 of last year, 47 cases of highly pathogenic AI have occurred in poultry farms across 25 cities and counties nationwide. However, no additional cases have been confirmed in poultry farms since April 19 and in wild birds since March 24. Accordingly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs decided to adjust the response level, considering the prevention situation to be stable.
On May 20, although there was a case where the highly pathogenic AI virus was detected in a live poultry sales location in a traditional market, it was reported that no unusual findings were discovered in epidemiologically related farms or facilities.
On the same day, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs lifted the movement restrictions imposed on prevention areas nationwide, and no additional confirmed cases were found in the detailed inspections of nationwide duck farms.
However, as highly pathogenic AI continues to occur overseas, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to combine regular inspections with prevention education to prevent the domestic re-spread.
Moreover, the ministry plans to promote system improvements by reflecting the supplementary points revealed during the current prevention process and reorganize the management system for poultry-dense areas. Additionally, in preparation for this year's winter outbreak, the ministry will pre-inspect the prevention status of poultry farms nationwide and take steps to address any deficiencies by Sept. 30.