H5 Avian Influenza Detected at Meat Duck Farm in Naju

South Jeolla Province Completes Initial Quarantine and Restricts Access
10-Kilometer Quarantine Zone Established
Immediate Reporting Urged for Even Mild Symptoms

An H5-type avian influenza (AI) antigen has been detected at a meat duck farm located in Bonghwang-myeon, Naju, South Jeolla Province.

This farm raises approximately 24,000 meat ducks that are 42 days old. During the pre-shipment inspection process at the slaughterhouse, the South Jeolla Provincial Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory confirmed on December 20 that it was H5-type avian influenza. The final determination as to whether it is highly pathogenic is still under review by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.

Upon detection of the H5 antigen, South Jeolla Province immediately deployed an initial quarantine team (two members) from the Livestock Hygiene and Quarantine Support Headquarters to implement quarantine measures, including restricting access to the farm and conducting disinfection. In addition, two field support officers were dispatched to conduct an environmental survey of the surrounding area, and the cause of the outbreak is currently being analyzed.

To proactively prevent further spread, South Jeolla Province has begun culling and designated a 10-kilometer radius around the affected farm as a quarantine zone, imposing movement restrictions, disinfection, and monitoring.

For 24 hours until 11 p.m. on December 21, a temporary movement suspension order has been issued for ducks from the affected affiliate, poultry farms, and related livestock facilities in South Jeolla Province, North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province, and Gwangju Metropolitan City. Comprehensive disinfection is being carried out at all poultry farms and related livestock facilities.

Park Hyunsik, Director of the Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Bureau of South Jeolla Province, stated, "As migratory birds are now arriving in earnest, there is a possibility of additional outbreaks if biosecurity measures are not strictly implemented at poultry farms. We urge all poultry farms to thoroughly comply with basic biosecurity protocols, such as rigorous disinfection, access control, and the use of anterooms when entering barns. Please report even mild symptoms immediately."

As of December 20, there have been 15 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza nationwide, with one case reported in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, on December 8.