"Oh No..." H5 Avian Influenza Antigen Detected at Breeder Duck Farm in Naju

Jeonnam Province Implements Emergency Quarantine Measures
Initial Response Team Dispatched to Affected Farm
Intensive Monitoring and Disinfection Efforts Underway
As of January 3: 28 Cases Nationwide, 5 in Jeonnam

Naju Bannam Duck Farm Access Control Site. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The spread of avian influenza continues in the Jeonnam region.

On January 3, Jeonnam Province announced that the H5 subtype avian influenza (AI) antigen was detected at a breeder duck farm located in Bannam-myeon, Naju City. The authorities immediately implemented initial quarantine measures and strengthened on-site management.

The farm in question raises approximately 8,000 breeder ducks. The farm owner reported to the quarantine authorities after observing a decrease in egg production rates and an increase in duck mortality.

Samples collected by the Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory tested positive for the H5 subtype avian influenza antigen. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is currently determining whether it is a highly pathogenic strain.

The detailed examination to determine pathogenicity is currently underway at the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency and is expected to take up to three days.

Upon detection of the H5 antigen, Jeonnam Province immediately dispatched an initial quarantine team (two members) from the Livestock Hygiene Quarantine Support Headquarters, implementing access control and disinfection measures at the farm.

Considering that the farm is located within an existing quarantine zone, the authorities maintained the current quarantine area while enforcing movement restrictions, disinfection, and monitoring. Additionally, two on-site support officers were dispatched to conduct a detailed investigation into the cause of the outbreak.

To prevent further spread, Jeonnam Province plans to carry out preemptive culling at the affected farm and enforce thorough post-management measures, including cleaning, disinfection, and environmental pollution prevention in surrounding areas.

Furthermore, from 12:00 p.m. on January 3 to 12:00 p.m. on January 4, a 24-hour standstill order will be imposed on the affiliated company involved in the outbreak, all duck farms in Jeonnam, related livestock facilities (such as slaughterhouses and feed factories), and livestock vehicles. Comprehensive disinfection will also be conducted at all poultry farms and related livestock facilities.

Yoo Deokgyu, Director of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of Jeonnam Province, stated, "If basic quarantine measures, such as controlling the movement of people and vehicles, are not strictly observed, no other quarantine action can be expected to be effective. Poultry farms must recognize that quarantine protocols are not optional but mandatory, and must ensure they are thoroughly implemented on-site."

As of this date, a total of 28 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been reported nationwide, with five cases occurring in Jeonnam-specifically in Naju and Yeongam.