H5 avian influenza (AI) antigens have been detected at an egg-laying farm in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, prompting emergency measures from health authorities.
The Central Disaster Management Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza reported on November 12 that H5 AI antigens were confirmed at the farm, which houses approximately 48,000 chickens.
The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is conducting detailed tests to confirm the pathogenicity, with results expected within one to three days.
In November alone, outbreaks of highly pathogenic AI have been reported at three poultry farms in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province; Jangheung, Jeollanam-do; and Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. Notably, the Yeoju farm, confirmed on November 7, had around 260,000 chickens.
The headquarters has dispatched an initial response team to the affected farm to implement biosecurity measures, including access control, culling of livestock, and epidemiological investigations.
To prevent further spread, authorities have issued a 24-hour movement restriction order for egg-laying farms, slaughterhouses, feed mills, and livestock vehicles in the Incheon, Seoul, and Gyeonggi regions, effective from 4 p.m. on November 12 to 4 p.m. on November 13.
The headquarters urged livestock farmers to adhere to basic biosecurity protocols, including restricting access to migratory bird habitats, controlling the entry of external vehicles and personnel, and disinfecting farms. They also requested immediate reporting to health authorities if there are increases in mortality rates, declines in egg production, reduced feed intake, or mild respiratory symptoms.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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