Sejong, November 28 - The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) and the National Institute of Biological Resources (Director Seo Min-hwan) conducted a bird census for two hundred major migratory bird habitats nationwide from November 11 for three days. As a result, approximately 1.43 million winter migrant birds of 111 species were identified nationwide. Every month from October to March, the Ministry of Environment conducts a bird census to proactively respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) by identifying the trend of migratory birds' arrival. 

The bird census conducted in November revealed that the total number of winter migrant birds increased by approximately 600,000 (72%) compared to the previous month and by about 210,000 (17%) compared to last year. Anatidae birds (ducks, geese, swans), which are easy to spread avian influenza, increased by approximately 540,000 (97%) compared to the previous month and by around 170,000 (18%) compared to the same period last year.

In terms of the migratory birds' regional habitat, it was shown that winter migrant birds are mostly found in Chungcheongnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, and the western coastal areas of Gyeonggi, including Ganwolho Lake, the lower reaches of the Mangyeonggang River, Yeongamho Lake, Bunamho Lake, and the Imjingang River.

The Ministry of Environment shared bird census data with the concerned organizations. The ministry predicts that winter migrant birds will continue to come to Korea until January 2023, and, accordingly, it maintains a rapid response system to prevent the spread of avian influenza. The ministry routinely inspects the avian influenza virus for 87 migratory bird habitats by checking the feces and carcasses of wild birds. In addition, the ministry also checks if the local government is well-controlling access to the migratory birds' habitats. It inspects the quarantine situation for bird exhibitions, viewing, and conservation facilities, such as zoos. In addition, the ministry provides information such as the movement and present status of Anatidae susceptible to avian influenza and the test results of avian influenza in wild birds with disease control authorities such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and local governments.

Kim Jong-ryul, Director-General of the Nature Conservation Bureau, stated, "It has been ed that more migratory birds are arriving in Korea this year compared to last year. To prevent the spread of avian flu, the Ministry of Environment will maintain vigilance and check the quarantine situation." He added, "The public should avoid visiting migratory bird habitats. If visits are unavoidable, they should manage personal hygiene, such as disinfection and wearing a mask. If you find a carcass, please report the discovery immediately to the National Wildlife Disease Management Service (062-949-4367)."

Contact: Kang Min-joo, Deputy Director

Wildlife Disease Management Team / +82-(0)44-201-7502

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr