Highly pathogenic avian influenza at a duck farm in Naju, Jeonnam.

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Shin Sun-mi = The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced on the 21st that highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has occurred at a broiler duck farm in Naju City, South Jeolla Province. The farm was raising approximately 23,000 ducks, and the occurrence of highly pathogenic AI was confirmed during a regular inspection before slaughter. This is the 16th case of highly pathogenic avian influenza occurring in domestic poultry farms this winter. The headquarters has implemented quarantine measures following the confirmation of the antigen. In addition, to prevent further spread, detailed inspections are being conducted on 55 poultry farms within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm, and 35 farms, facilities, and vehicles that have epidemiological connections with the affected farm. Furthermore, the headquarters will conduct detailed inspections on 63 duck farms located in Naju and Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, and 145 duck farms affiliated with the same group as the affected farm from the 22nd to the 31st. Additionally, the inspection rate at the slaughter stages of slaughterhouses affiliated with the same group will be increased from 60% to 80%. The headquarters has decided to conduct quarantine inspections at 78 duck farms affiliated with the same group as the affected farm by the 24th. sun@yna.co.kr