Wild AI Virus Detected in Hwapo Stream, Gimhae... Pathogenicity Under Investigation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] The avian influenza (AI) virus was detected in wild birds at Hwapocheon in Hanri-myeon, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam.

The National Institute of Environmental Research announced on the 15th that the H5 type AI virus was detected after analyzing wild bird fecal samples collected from Hwapocheon on the 13th.

The H5 type virus is an AI virus with the potential to be highly pathogenic.

The Institute of Environmental Research plans to confirm whether it is highly pathogenic through detailed diagnosis and genetic testing.

The Institute, together with the Nakdonggang River Basin Environmental Office, has strengthened surveillance of wild bird feces and carcasses within a 10 km radius of the detection site, and notified related agencies such as the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and local governments to initiate quarantine measures.

An official from the Institute of Environmental Research stated, "This is the second time the H5 type virus has been detected in the Hwapocheon area since December 10 of last year," adding, "It will take about 3 to 5 days to confirm the pathogenicity of the detected virus."