The spread of avian influenza (AI) continues in South Korea‘s Jeonnam region.
On January 3, Jeonnam province confirmed the detection of the H5 subtype AI antigen at a breeder duck farm located in Bannam-myeon, Naju city.
The farm, which raises approximately 8000 breeder ducks, reported the outbreak to quarantine authorities after observing declining egg production and rising duck mortality.
Confirmation and quarantine response
Samples collected by the Jeonnam Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory tested positive for the H5 subtype AI antigen. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is currently determining whether it is a highly pathogenic strain, a process expected to take up to three days.
Following detection, Jeonnam province immediately dispatched an initial quarantine team from the Livestock Hygiene Quarantine Support Headquarters. Access control and disinfection measures were quickly enforced at the farm. Because the site lies within an existing quarantine zone, authorities maintained restrictions while intensifying movement controls, disinfection, and monitoring.
Additionally, two on-site support officers were dispatched to investigate the cause of the outbreak, ensuring that the response included both containment and analysis.
Preventing further spread
To prevent further spread, Jeonnam province announced plans for preemptive culling at the affected farm. Post-management measures will include cleaning, disinfection, and environmental protection in surrounding areas.
From noon on January 3 to noon on January 4, a standstill order was imposed on the affiliated company involved in the outbreak, all duck farms in Jeonnam, related livestock facilities (such as slaughterhouses and feed factories), and livestock vehicles.
Comprehensive disinfection will also be conducted at all poultry farms and related livestock facilities.
Quarantine protocols are mandatory
Yoo Deokgyu, Director of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food of Jeonnam province, emphasized the importance of strict compliance.
“If basic quarantine measures, such as controlling the movement of people and vehicles, are not strictly observed, no other quarantine action can be expected to be effective. Poultry farms must recognize that quarantine protocols are not optional but mandatory and must ensure they are thoroughly implemented on-site,” he said.
To date, South Korea has reported 28 cases of highly pathogenic AI nationwide, including five in Jeonnam, specifically in Naju and Yeongam.