New avian influenza outbreak hits South Korea

To contain the spread, the CDMH announced special quarantine inspections across some 230 layer farms with prior AI cases. The agency will also strengthen monitoring of vehicles entering and exiting the Hwaseong farm to reduce transmission risks.

Officials warned that the geographic pattern of recent outbreaks is troubling. Infections remain concentrated in southern Gyeonggi Province, but wild birds carrying highly pathogenic strains have been detected in six different regions.

On high alert

Lee Dong-sik, an agriculture ministry official overseeing quarantine policy, emphasized that the country remains on high alert.

He said repeated outbreaks in southern Gyeonggi, combined with the arrival of migratory birds and detections in wild population, create high risk of nationwide spread.

Mr Lee urged poultry producers, farm staff, and related personnel to intensify vigilance and strictly follow biosecurity measures. These include restricting farm access, controlling vehicle movement, reinforcing disinfection routines, and closely monitoring flock health.

Aggressive surveillance ahead

As South Korea enters the peak risk period for AI, the government is expected to continue aggressive surveillance and rapid-response measures to protect the poultry sector.

Producers, especially in high-density farming regions, are being reminded that early detection and strict on-farm protocols remain the most effective tools to curb the virus’s spread.