Highly Pathogenic AI Confirmed at Layer Farm in Wonju, Gangwon

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] A highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) case has been confirmed at a laying hen farm in Wonju-si, Gangwon Province.

Gangwon Province quarantine authorities announced on the 24th that after conducting a detailed inspection of the farm where the H5 type AI antigen was detected the previous day, it was confirmed to be the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain. This is the first outbreak of highly pathogenic AI in poultry farms in the Gangwon region in four years since January 2017.

The quarantine authorities received a report of suspected AI symptoms such as decreased laying rate and occurrence of dead birds from the farm on the morning of the previous day and conducted a rapid diagnostic kit test on-site. Among the 24 birds showing suspected symptoms, 9 tested positive, and the detailed inspection confirmed the highly pathogenic strain on the same day.

Gangwon Province is controlling access to the farm and is carrying out culling of approximately 170,000 laying hens. Additionally, movement of about 108,000 chickens and ducks in 132 farms within a 10 km radius is being restricted, and quarantine checkpoints are being operated to conduct preventive observation, testing, and disinfection.

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