Suspected Case of Highly Pathogenic AI at Cheonan Jongo Duck Farm... Testing Also Underway in Namwon and Gurye

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Avian Influenza announced on the 24th that a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) was detected at a duck farm (raising about 10,000 ducks) located in Cheonan-si, Chungnam Province.

On the same day, the Chungnam Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory detected the H5 type AI antigen during surveillance and inspection of the duck farm. A detailed examination is currently underway, and the determination of whether it is highly pathogenic is expected within 1 to 3 days.

The Central Headquarters is implementing proactive quarantine measures including controlling access to the farm, conducting epidemiological investigations, restricting movement of farms within a 10 km radius, and conducting surveillance and inspections.

An official from the Central Headquarters urged, "All farm owners nationwide must strictly follow quarantine rules such as disinfecting vehicles, people, and equipment, and changing boots, and immediately report to the quarantine authorities if any abnormalities are found in the poultry being raised."

According to the Central Headquarters, suspected cases have also been confirmed in Gurye, Jeonnam, and Namwon, Jeonbuk, and the highly pathogenic status is being verified. As of 8 a.m. on the 25th, a total of 22 cases of highly pathogenic AI have been confirmed at domestic poultry farms, and 37 cases have been confirmed in wild birds. There are 11 suspected cases in wild birds currently undergoing testing for high pathogenicity.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.