Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Avian Influenza announced on Sunday a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a duck farm in Naju, South Jeolla Province. This brings the total number of cases reported at local farms this winter to 16.
Details of the injury and immediate actions
The virus was detected at a farm that raises approximately 23,000 ducks. The discovery was made during a routine proactive inspection before the birds were shipped to slaughterhouses. Upon confirmation of the antigen, central authorities immediately implemented strict quarantine protocols. These protocols included thorough testing of 55 poultry farms located within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak.
An additional 35 farms, facilities, and vehicles with epidemiological links to the infected farm were also inspected. The aim was to prevent further spread of the virus.
National inspection campaign and increased oversight
The central headquarters has approved an intensive monitoring plan for the period from December 22 to 31. This plan includes detailed inspections of 63 duck farms in the Nago and Yeongam districts. Additionally, it will cover 145 farms belonging to facilities that have reported infections.
The rate of poultry inspection at slaughterhouses belonging to affected companies has been increased from 60% to 80%. An urgent health inspection will also be conducted on 78 duck farms epidemiologically linked to the infected farm. This measure will conclude on December 24.
Government warnings
The South Korean government continues to strengthen biosecurity measures at poultry farms nationwide. It is urging farmers to immediately report any suspected symptoms. This call comes especially as the risk of infection spreading via migratory birds increases during the winter.
