After a severe outbreak of avian influenza (AI) at the end of last year, Seoul Grand Park is preparing for the future by using nearly 100 billion won to install a quarantine area for infected birds. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – After a severe outbreak of avian influenza (AI) at the end of last year, Seoul Grand Park is preparing for the future by using nearly 100 billion won to install a quarantine area for infected birds.
The culling that followed the discovery of the disease was costly, as the park had to put down 101 mandarin ducks as a preventative measure. A number of storks and spoonbill birds were also put down.
Mandarin ducks are designated as a natural treasure of South Korea.
The park will renovate two hatcheries on the outskirts of the zoo for the quarantine zone. The 300-square-meter area will be used to care for infected birds and also those suspected of possible infection. They will be treated according to their symptoms and stages of disease by veterinarians.
To ensure the comfort and safety of the birds, designated spaces for treatment and rest will be built in the facilities.
In particular, there will be an emphasis on limiting exposure to the outside of the facility.
The installation of such facilities marks a first in the 33 years the park has operated the zoo. (Image: Yonhap)
The ‘Peacock Village’, ‘Stork Village’ and large cages with water will also be fully renovated by the end of this year as part of the planned overhaul.
As the ground zero where AI was first detected last winter, the park intends to install a sliding roof that can cover the ceiling of the cage housing the storks.
The roof is intended as a measure to address criticism that birds of the air play a role in spreading AI through their feces.
The installation of such facilities marks a first in the 33 years the park has operated the zoo.
Regarding the changes, a spokesperson said, “To prevent another outbreak of AI [the park] will improve the safety of the animals by building a quarantine zone and fixing and improving worn-down structures.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
