Antigen of 'H5 Avian Influenza' Detected in Wild Bird Carcasses from Wonjucheon

Reference photo [Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] On the 15th, an H5 subtype avian influenza antigen was detected in a carcass of a wild bird (Great Egret) found in Wonjucheon, Gangwon Province, prompting quarantine authorities to take action.

The Wonju Agricultural Technology Center stated on the 19th, "It will take about a week to determine whether it is highly pathogenic."

According to the city, during the 'AI and Foot-and-Mouth Disease Special Quarantine Measures' period starting from October last year, 74 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) occurred in 66 nationwide poultry farms and wild birds, and a total of 3 cases of H5 subtype avian influenza antigen were detected in Wonjucheon.

Following the detection of highly pathogenic AI in wild bird droppings on the 5th, the city designated an area within a 10 km radius from the sample collection point as a 'wild waterfowl surveillance area' and imposed movement restrictions on 313,724 poultry across 350 farms within the area.

Additionally, surveillance and testing are being conducted on chicken and duck farms within the surveillance area, and disinfection activities are underway at Wonjucheon and nearby farms using wide-area sprayers, water trucks, three drones, and three quarantine vehicles.

A city official said, "This is a critical time with avian influenza outbreaks occurring nationwide," and urged, "Please cooperate by following quarantine rules and immediately report any discovered carcasses to the quarantine authorities."

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