More than 50 days has passed since the highly pathogenic AI (type H5N6) broke out in Korea. Up to January 3, nearly 30.36 million chickens, ducks, and quails have been destroyed, which is approximately 33% of all poultry nationwide. Most of the afflicted farms practice large-scale intensive farming, raising chickens on food mixed with antibiotics in a space of 0.05㎡ each. These conditions led to their being infected as soon as the epidemic began to spread.
According to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, no more than nine chickens or two to three ducks should be kept within a 1㎡ space, in order to simulate their natural habitat. In fact, an investigation has revealed that AI has not spread on some 100 certified farms complying with recommended space requirements for farm animals.
Rev. Son said proudly, “My chickens are grown in environmentally friendly conditions and have strong immune systems. So they rarely get infected by AI.” He feeds his chickens a special food he makes of rice bran, sawdust, dried anchovy and shrimp powder, sesame pulp, and cultivated microorganisms. He explained the reason for his practice of organic farming in spite of the additional costs: “This is part of my ministry of saving lives.”
I also checked with other pastors who have left urban areas to live and farm in the countryside. All had in common that they raise free-range chickens and feed them organic food that they have made themselves.
Rev. Lee Hyeong-gyun (45, photo above) of Good Neighbors Community in Gokseong, South Jeolla-do, sent a selfie with his chickens, saying, “My farm has not been afflicted at all.” Rev. Lee moved to a rural area seven years ago and began his ministry there, raising 700 laying chickens. He uses fermented native wheat bran, rice, anchovies, and other ingredients to make their feed.
Reporter Lee Saya (Isaiah@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)
Full Story in Korean:
"친환경에서 자란 닭, AI에도 끄떡없어요": AI 사태 속 목회자들의 ‘성경적 양계법’
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“진정한 농촌목회? 농부 목사 돼야죠”: 원주 귀례면 ‘작은예수공동체’ 손주완 목사
