South Korea has reported its first case of highly pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza detected in wild bird feces collected from the Mangyeong River in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on Thursday. This marks the first confirmation of the H5N3 virus in South Korea and the first detection of an avian influenza virus in wild bird feces in eight months. Access to the Mangyeong River - an area frequented by numerous migratory birds every year - has been restricted for vehicles and pedestrians, with warning signs posted to ensure safety. The local epidemic prevention department has issued a three-week migration ban on 11 poultry farms within the 10-kilometer radius of the river area, and the agricultural ministry has elevated the bird flu crisis alert to the highest level. The agricultural ministry aims to prevent the spread of the virus on approximately 550 duck farms nationwide before Oct 18, as well as increase the frequency of epidemic prevention inspections on egg farms from once every two weeks to every week. The country is also facing other livestock disease challenges. On Sunday, a pig farm in Hwacheon County of Gangwon Province reported the ninth outbreak of African swine fever in the country this year, marking the first outbreak of the virus in 44 days. In response, the government has culled more than 3,500 pigs in the farm and issued a 48-hour movement ban on livestock facilities in the local area and five surrounding regions. On Thursday, Yangyang County of Gangwon reported the fourth outbreak of lumpy skin disease in the country this month. In addition, a farm reported that five cows exhibited symptoms of nerve paralysis and died after suspected exposure to contaminated feed earlier this month. This follows an incident last month where dozens of cattle and sheep died from Clostridium botulinum infections on several farms across the country.
Highly pathogenic H5N3 avian influenza reported in South Korea for first time
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
