South Korea Confirms Two Additional Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Cases at Layer Farms
South Korean health authorities have detected two new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza at egg-producing farms, prompting intensified quarantine measures to prevent further spread. The outbreaks have triggered immediate culling protocols and movement restrictions across the affected regi...
South Korea Confirms Two Additional Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Cases at Layer Farms
South Korean health authorities have detected two new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza at egg-producing farms, prompting intensified quarantine measures to prevent further spread. The outbreaks have triggered immediate culling protocols and movement restrictions across the affected regions.
Key Points
- Two new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) were confirmed at layer farms in South Korea.
- The outbreaks occurred at poultry facilities in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, and Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province.
- Quarantine authorities have implemented a 24-hour standstill order for poultry farms and related transport facilities in the affected areas.
- Preventive culling of birds at the infected sites is underway to mitigate the risk of a wider epidemic.
- The government has increased nationwide monitoring and disinfection efforts at migratory bird habitats and nearby farms.
Expansion of the Outbreak
South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that two additional poultry farms tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. The cases were identified at layer farmsāfacilities specifically dedicated to egg productionālocated in Yeoju, 60 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and Dangjin, approximately 75 kilometers south of the capital.
These new cases add to the growing challenges faced by agricultural officials during the winter season, a period when migratory birds frequently introduce viral strains to the peninsula.
Emergency Response Measures
In response to the confirmed infections, the government immediately activated its emergency response protocol. This includes:
- Culling: All poultry at the affected farms are being culled as a preventive measure to stop the virus from jumping to neighboring facilities.
- Standstill Orders: A temporary movement ban has been issued for all poultry, vehicles, and personnel associated with the farms in Yeoju and Dangjin.
- Buffer Zones: Enhanced testing is being conducted on all farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak sites.
"We are focusing all our resources on thorough disinfection and preemptive measures to block the spread of the virus to other regions," a ministry official stated regarding the current situation.
Context and Agricultural Impact
The recurring nature of bird flu in South Korea often leads to concerns regarding the stability of the food supply chain, particularly the price of eggs. By targeting layer farms, these specific outbreaks pose a potential risk to retail egg prices if the virus continues to spread among large-scale production facilities.
Authorities have urged poultry farmers to report any suspicious symptoms in their flocks immediately and to strictly adhere to biosecurity protocols, such as disinfecting vehicles and minimizing contact with wild birds. The Ministry continues to monitor migratory bird paths, which remain the primary suspected source of the highly pathogenic strain.