An additional suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk.

(Andong=Yonhap News) Reporter Choi Su-ho = On the 4th, Gyeongbuk Province announced that additional suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have emerged in Bonghwa County, where the disease had already been reported. According to Gyeongbuk Province, approximately 100 chickens were found dead at a laying hen farm in Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa County the previous day. The farm is located 1.49 km away from a laying hen farm in Bonghwa-eup where highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported last month, and on-site confirmation revealed the presence of H5 avian influenza antigen. The final determination of whether it is highly pathogenic is expected to take 1 to 3 days. Previously, highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported at two laying hen farms in Bonghwa on the 6th and 18th of last month, and at a broiler duck farm and a laying hen farm in Seongju on the 10th and 23rd, respectively. A Gyeongbuk Province official said, "Farms should thoroughly adhere to concentrated disinfection inside and outside the barns, and if any abnormal symptoms are found, they should immediately report it to the city/county or the Animal Hygiene Testing Institute." suho@yna.co.kr