Avian Influenza Antigen Detected at Meat Duck Farm in Gurye, Jeollanam-do

Jeollanam-do Enforces Access Control and Conducts Detailed Inspections of Poultry Farms in Quarantine Zones

An H5 avian influenza (AI) antigen was detected at a meat duck farm in Yongbang-myeon, Gurye, South Jeolla, prompting quarantine authorities to immediately launch initial containment measures. Photo provided by South Jeolla Province.

On February 19, Jeollanam-do announced that an H5 avian influenza (AI) antigen had been detected at a meat duck farm in Yongbang-myeon, Gurye, and that the province had immediately implemented initial containment measures and begun strengthening on-site management.

The farm is raising approximately 30,000 meat ducks. The H5 avian influenza antigen was detected during pre-shipment testing conducted before sending birds to the slaughterhouse, and the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is currently determining whether it is a highly pathogenic strain.

Immediately after the detection of the H5 avian influenza antigen, Jeollanam-do deployed an initial containment team of two from the Livestock Sanitation and Quarantine Support Headquarters to control access to the farm and carry out culling. The province also dispatched two on-site support officers, who are conducting a detailed investigation into the cause of the outbreak.

To prevent further spread, authorities are conducting detailed inspections of all poultry farms within a 10 km quarantine zone around the affected farm. In addition, all available disinfection resources are being mobilized to disinfect roads around nearby small streams and reservoirs, as well as access roads leading to poultry farms. To ensure early detection of infected birds, detailed inspections are also being carried out at all farms belonging to the same integrated company, in parallel with biosecurity checks.

Jeollanam-do has issued a 24-hour standstill order, effective until 12:00 p.m. on February 20, for the integrated company concerned, duck farms in Jeollanam-do, related livestock facilities (such as slaughterhouses and feed factories), and livestock vehicles, and is carrying out simultaneous disinfection of poultry farms and related livestock facilities while monitoring compliance.

Yu Deokgyu, Director General of the Agriculture, Livestock and Food Bureau of Jeollanam-do, said, "Since highly pathogenic avian influenza has recently been occurring not only in specific areas but more broadly, no region can be considered safe," and urged, "We ask poultry farms to strictly adhere to basic biosecurity measures, including thorough disinfection, strict access control, and mandatory use of anterooms when entering barns."

As of the same day, there have been 44 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza nationwide, with 8 cases reported in Jeollanam-do in Naju, Yeongam, and Gokseong.