High Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed at Poultry Farm in Gimje, Jeonbuk

The Third Case in the Province... H5N6 Type AI Confirmed Since 2018

Order to Halt Poultry Movement Until 10 PM on the 10th

On the 9th, highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) was confirmed at a laying hen farm (breeding 165,000 birds) in Gimje-si, Jeonbuk. There have been a total of six confirmed cases of highly pathogenic AI (H5 type) in poultry farms this winter, with two cases in Jeonnam, three in Jeonbuk, and one in Chungnam.

According to Jeonbuk Province and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, a temporary movement ban order was issued nationwide for poultry farms, livestock facilities, and vehicles until 10 PM on the 10th.

The province immediately deployed an initial response team to the site upon confirmation of suspected avian influenza cases, implementing preemptive quarantine measures such as restricting access to the affected farm, culling, and epidemiological investigations.

Prevention and quarantine of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI). [Image source=Yonhap News]

Intensive disinfection was conducted around 57 poultry farms within a 10 km radius of the quarantine area, additional control posts were installed, and movement restrictions and detailed inspections were carried out as part of the containment measures.

A provincial quarantine official stated, "If biosecurity at farms is even slightly neglected, highly pathogenic avian influenza can occur at any time in this serious situation," and urged, "Please strictly adhere to quarantine rules such as disinfecting vehicles and people entering farms, disinfecting hands and changing boots before entering poultry houses, and cleaning inside and outside poultry houses daily."

He also added, "If you notice suspected symptoms of highly pathogenic avian influenza such as increased mortality, decreased egg production, or reduced feed intake in your poultry, please report immediately to the quarantine authorities."

Meanwhile, a wild mandarin duck captured at Jeongeupcheon in Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk on the 4th was confirmed to have the highly pathogenic AI 'H5N6 type.' The H5N6 type had not been detected domestically since it occurred at a poultry farm on March 17, 2018. This winter, there have been a total of five cases of wild birds nationwide, with three in Gyeongbuk and two in Jeonbuk.

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