Jeollanam-do Detects Avian Influenza Antigen at Gokseong Meat Duck Farm

Preemptive Culling at Affected Farm
Enhanced Inspections and Disinfection Within 10km Radius

On the 20th, H5 avian influenza (AI) antigen was detected at a meat duck farm in Gyeommyeon, Gokseong, Jeollanam-do. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On January 20, Jeollanam-do detected the H5 avian influenza (AI) antigen at a meat duck farm in Gyeommyeon, Gokseong, and immediately implemented initial quarantine measures to prevent further spread.

The farm in question raises approximately 27,000 meat ducks. The H5 avian influenza antigen was detected during a routine surveillance test at the rearing stage. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is currently conducting a detailed examination to determine whether it is highly pathogenic. The final determination is expected to take one to three days.

Immediately after the antigen was detected, Jeollanam-do deployed two members of the Initial Quarantine Team from the Livestock Hygiene and Quarantine Support Headquarters to control access to the farm and carry out emergency disinfection and quarantine measures.

In addition, to prevent further spread and enable early detection of infected animals, the authorities are conducting thorough inspections of all poultry farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm, as well as farms, facilities, and vehicles that were visited by people or vehicles that entered the affected farm. Two field support officers from the province have also been dispatched to investigate the cause of the outbreak.

To block additional spread, Jeollanam-do plans to preemptively cull the poultry at the affected farm, carry out cleaning and disinfection, and implement post-management measures to prevent environmental contamination in the surrounding area.

Furthermore, for 24 hours from 12:00 p.m. on January 20 to 12:00 p.m. on January 21, a temporary movement ban has been imposed on the related affiliate, all duck farms in Jeollanam-do, and related livestock facilities (such as slaughterhouses and feed factories), as well as livestock vehicles. All poultry farms and livestock-related facilities are being disinfected, and compliance is being closely monitored.

Yoo Deokgyu, Director of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of Jeollanam-do, stated, "As this is a period when quarantine conditions are deteriorating due to freezing temperatures causing disinfection facilities to freeze, voluntary quarantine by farms is more important than ever. Please do your utmost to prevent disinfection facilities from freezing, and to maximize the effectiveness of disinfection, focus on disinfecting inside and outside the farm during the warmer hours of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)."