"First Confirmation of New Highly Pathogenic AI in Wild Birds"

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Dongwoo Lee] The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Avian Influenza (AI) announced on the 27th that highly pathogenic AI of the H5N8 type was confirmed in a dead wild bird (Whooper Swan) found in the Nakdonggang Estuary in Saha-gu, Busan.

This is the first detection of the H5N8 type among 24 cases of highly pathogenic AI confirmed in wild birds since last fall. The remaining cases were of the H5N1 type.

The headquarters explained, "Based on past cases, when a new type is introduced, highly pathogenic AI can spread again for a long period," and emphasized, "It is essential to thoroughly monitor migratory bird habitats, control access, and manage biosecurity at poultry farms."

The headquarters plans to conduct continuous surveillance of nearby small rivers such as the Nakdonggang Estuary and Junam Reservoir in Changwon, Gyeongnam, while focusing on disinfecting access roads to farms near the area where AI was detected and the habitat of the Whooper Swans. At the Nakdonggang Estuary site where AI was detected, access will be restricted not only for livestock vehicles and personnel but also for fishing and walking.

The headquarters urged, "To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic AI, please refrain from entering migratory bird habitats and report any found dead wild birds to the National Wildlife Disease Control Center."

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