[ad_1]
Estimated entry of migratory birds … “Leave all possibilities open and investigate”
No cases of H5N8 infection have been reported in Korea.
Sufficient supply of eggs, broilers and ducks, “We will ensure that supply and demand is not interrupted”
According to livestock quarantine authorities, to date there is no correlation between farms with highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI). However, quarantine authorities said they were continuing to investigate, leaving all possibilities open.
The Central Avian Influenza Accident Control Center explained in an online briefing on the 8th that it is estimated that the AI virus may have entered the farm from migratory birds through humans and vehicles. Jungsubon also said that the highly pathogenic H5N8-type AI that occurred in Korea was investigated as having no cases of human infection worldwide.
The following is a summary of the explanations given by Park Byeong-hong, head of the food industry policy office at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, in a question and answer format.
Q. Did you understand the dynamics between the farms that reported suspicions and the farms that occurred?
▲ No clear link has been identified between the farms in the outbreak, but epidemiological investigations are being carried out with all possibilities open. For now, it is estimated that the virus was introduced to the farm through humans or migratory bird vehicles.
Q. What is the possibility of horizontal spread between farms and the future direction?
▲ The situation of horizontal spread has not been identified, but epidemiological investigation is carried out closely without excluding the possibility. All livestock vehicles must be disinfected in the national-based disinfection facilities, and it was mandatory to visit farms or livestock facilities. In the breeder and laying hen groups, which are vulnerable to quarantine, checkpoints were operated to minimize entry to the farm and the eggs were reinforced with disinfection of propagation media such as paddles.
Q. It has already been confirmed in 4 cities and provinces, and two cases are being closely examined.
▲ The virus is considered to have reached the vicinity of the farm across the country and as a result, reinforced countermeasures are being applied.
Q. Are the AI quarantine measures being implemented now the highest level of response?
▲ Highly pathogenic AI confirmed in 4 cities and provinces, and 5 cities and provinces, including suspected cases. It is considered to be at a very strict level throughout the country and is applying the highest level of quarantine measures. In the course of the epidemiological investigation, if insufficient parts are identified, it is quickly disseminated to the farms and steps are taken so that the farms can implement the basic quarantine rules. You plan to review and implement additional measures depending on the situation.
Q. Did the AI generated in Korea spread from Eastern Europe?
▲ Since last January, highly pathogenic AI has occurred in wild birds in Europe and neighboring countries, and has also appeared on farms. Before the period of special quarantine measures, concerns about the emergence of highly pathogenic AI were continually communicated, and at the same time, the government had been proactively preparing for quarantine measures to livestock officials.
Q. What are the cases of highly pathogenic AI human infection?
▲ Highly pathogenic avian influenza type H5N8 that has occurred in Korea has not been reported worldwide. However, personnel involved in the slaughter process must complete personal protection training prior to work and administer antiviral medications. Farm workers or livestock quarantine officers in direct contact – that is, who participate in the slaughter, wear protective gear and are in close contact – are monitored by the KCDC to verify their health status.
Q. You must defend yourself against rising consumer prices for chicken and duck.
▲ The supply of eggs, broilers and ducks is sufficient. In the future, we will keep an eye on market trends so that there are no disruptions in supply and demand.
/ Internal Reporter Park Yena [email protected]
< 저작권자 ⓒ 서울경제, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지 >