H5 avian influenza (AI) has been detected for the first time this winter season at a laying hen farm in Yeoncheon, prompting the government to issue a 24-hour movement restriction order for all poultry farms and related facilities nationwide.
The Central Disaster Management Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza announced on November 4 that the H5 AI virus was confirmed at the laying hen farm in Yeoncheon, which houses approximately 91,000 chickens.
This marks the first detection of the H5 AI virus in domestic poultry farms for the 2026-2027 season. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is conducting detailed tests to determine if the strain is highly pathogenic, with results expected within one to three days.
Given the likelihood that the detected H5 strain is highly pathogenic, the headquarters has deployed an emergency response team to the farm. Measures currently being implemented include restricting access to the farm, culling affected livestock, and conducting epidemiological investigations.
Additionally, the quarantine authorities have issued a nationwide 24-hour movement restriction order for all poultry farms, slaughterhouses, feed mills, and related livestock facilities, effective from 11 a.m. on November 4 to 11 a.m. on November 5.
Earlier, on October 20, the first H5 highly pathogenic AI virus of the winter season was detected in wild bird droppings in Suncheon Bay, Jeollanam-do. Following this, the government raised the avian influenza crisis alert level to 'serious' nationwide.
During the previous 2025-2026 season, the first case of highly pathogenic AI was reported on September 12 at a native chicken farm in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.
A spokesperson for the headquarters urged poultry farmers to adhere to basic quarantine measures, including prohibiting access to migratory bird habitats, controlling external vehicles and personnel, and disinfecting farms daily. They also advised immediate reporting to quarantine authorities if there is an increase in poultry deaths, a decrease in egg production, reduced feed intake, or any mild symptoms such as lethargy or respiratory issues.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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