Avian Influenza Detected at Duck Farm in Yeonggwang

Jeollanam-do Proactively Culls Birds
Establishes 10 km Quarantine Zone
Urges Thorough Disinfection at Poultry Farms

Jeonnam Province has initiated quarantine measures after detecting avian influenza virus at a duck farm in Daema-myeon, Yeonggwang County. Photo by Jeonnam Province

On the 5th, Jeollanam-do implemented swift initial quarantine measures after the H5-type avian influenza (AI) antigen was detected at a meat duck farm in Daema-myeon, Yeonggwang.

The farm is raising approximately 16,000 meat ducks.

During a routine inspection at the duck breeding stage, the Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory confirmed H5-type avian influenza through a detailed examination.

The final determination of whether it is highly pathogenic will be made by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency through further testing, which will take about 1 to 3 days.

Upon detection of the H5-type avian influenza antigen, Jeollanam-do immediately dispatched two members of the Livestock Hygiene and Quarantine Support Headquarters' initial response team to enforce access control and disinfection at the farm, and sent a provincial field support officer to investigate the surrounding environment and analyze the cause of the outbreak.

To prevent further spread, the authorities proactively culled the birds and designated a 10 km radius around the affected farm as a quarantine zone, intensifying movement restrictions, disinfection, and monitoring.

A nationwide 24-hour standstill order was issued for Dasol-affiliated farms, duck farms, and related livestock facilities (such as slaughterhouses and feed factories) in Jeonnam and Jeonbuk, as well as livestock vehicles, starting at 11 a.m. on the same day. Simultaneous disinfection was also carried out at poultry farms and related facilities.

Park Hyunsik, Director of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of Jeollanam-do, stated, "As migratory birds move northward, if thorough quarantine is not implemented at poultry farms, there is a risk of additional outbreaks," and urged, "Poultry farms must ensure thorough disinfection and strictly follow basic quarantine guidelines."

Meanwhile, as of this day, there have been 35 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza nationwide.