May 1, 2008

South Korea bans poultry sales in open markets to halt bird flu spread

The South Korean government said Wednesday (April 30, 2008) that it will temporarily halt the sale of ducks and chickens in open markets to prevent the further spread of bird flu in the country, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yonhap news agency quoted the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as saying that the measures would involve markets in the country's provincial cities and towns.

Quarantine inspectors will increase on-site inspections in larger traditional markets and discourage trade for a few months, the ministry said.

More than 300 vehicles that transport birds to traditional markets daily would be put through a disinfection process after every delivery, Yonhap cited Kim Chang-seob, chief veterinary officer at the ministry, as saying.

The measures come after the country reported two outbreaks this week which may have been transmitted through provincial markets, Yonhap said.