Province Establishes 27 Strategic Disinfection Facilities to "Firmly Defend" Against Avian Influenza

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hoon] Gyeonggi Province announced on the 5th that it will operate strategic disinfection facilities on major roads and other locations in 19 cities and counties across the province, including Anseong, as it designates and activates a 'Special Avian Influenza Prevention and Control Period' this month.

This measure aims to thoroughly disinfect livestock vehicles carrying poultry and prevent the outbreak and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza by blocking its entry in advance, as the season for migratory birds—a major transmission factor of avian influenza—to enter the country approaches.

A 'strategic disinfection facility' is a facility that completely removes organic matter attached to the wheels and sides of livestock vehicles and conducts disinfection for vehicles carrying manure and poultry that are difficult to clean and disinfect through general disinfection facilities.

Accordingly, Gyeonggi Province will operate a total of 27 'strategic disinfection facilities' in 19 cities and counties: one facility each in Gimpo, Yeoncheon, Yangju, Dongducheon, Goyang, Hwaseong, Gapyeong, Icheon, Namyangju, Yongin, Pyeongtaek, Gwangju, Siheung, and Ansan; two facilities each in Anseong, Yeonju, and Yangpyeong; three facilities in Paju; and four facilities in Pocheon (as of October 5, 2020).

Under this measure, all livestock vehicles carrying poultry entering and leaving the province must pass through the respective strategic disinfection facilities.

A provincial official stated, "Active cooperation from those in the livestock industry is necessary to prevent AI outbreaks," and added, "We request that poultry livestock vehicles pass through nearby strategic disinfection facilities and undergo disinfection measures."