On March 13, Gyeonggi Province’s Animal Hygiene Testing Center announced that it would supply ‘smart lactobacillus,’ a useful microorganism, in powder form to farms afflicted by avian influenza (AI) outbreaks as well as to small and vulnerable poultry farms from March.

‘Smart lactobacillus’ is a powder-type product that facilitates the addition of lactobacillus (Lactobacillus plantarum GVS-1) developed by the Animal Hygiene Laboratory in Gyeonggi Province to animal feed. When fed to livestock, it can increase productivity and improve immunity, thereby aiding in the effective prevention of diseases including avian influenza.

‘Smart lactobacillus’ is a powder form that is viable for extended periods of time; with a shelf life of more than a year, it is convenient to store and use. This year, farms afflicted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), as well as small and vulnerable poultry farms, will be the main supply targets, with approximately 70 tons slated for supply to 262 farms free of charge. This is a 22-farm increase over last year’s 240 farms.

Kyu-Hyun Lee, Director of the Animal Hygiene Testing Center, said, “By directly producing self-developed, useful and high-quality microorganisms for supply to farms, we expect to contribute to increased farm household income by preventing livestock diseases, such as avian influenza, and increasing productivity. Of particular note, we will do our utmost to expand the supply of useful microorganisms in the future so as to help resolve farmer concerns stemming from odor complaints.”