Additional Highly Pathogenic AI Cases Occur in Chungnam and Jeonbuk, Total Nationwide Cases Reach 23

Additional Cases at Broiler Breeder Farm in Dangjin-si
Number of Highly Pathogenic AI Cases Rises to 23
Epidemiology Minimization Measures Imposed on 204 Large-Scale Livestock Farms

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) H5N1 has been additionally detected at a broiler breeder farm in Dangjin-si, Chungnam, and a meat duck farm in Buan-gun, Jeonbuk. The AI Central Accident Response Headquarters announced on the 10th that the number of highly pathogenic AI cases at poultry farms this winter has increased to 23.

To prevent further spread, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters is conducting detailed inspections on 69 poultry farms within the quarantine zones, including the two farms. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency plans to carry out special inspections from the 13th to the 24th on 41 large-scale broiler breeder farms raising more than 50,000 chickens.

Additionally, intensive detailed inspections are scheduled from the 13th to the 17th on 93 duck farms affiliated with the Dasol group. Furthermore, 'livestock vehicle epidemiology minimization measures' have been imposed on 204 large-scale farms, including densely populated layer complexes and farms raising more than 100,000 chickens. According to this measure, vehicles must visit only one farm per day or use dedicated vehicles.

Choi Jeong-rok, Director of the Animal Disease Control Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, emphasized, "This AI outbreak has spread to a total of 15 cities and counties across 9 provinces, including Chungnam and Jeonbuk," adding, "Local governments must inspect and strictly implement quarantine measures such as controlling access to migratory bird habitats and disinfecting roads."