Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed at a duck farm in Gochang County.

(Jeonju=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Dong-cheol = Jeollabuk-do announced on the 24th that H5 antigen detected in a broiler duck farm in Buyeon-myeon, Gochang-gun has been confirmed as H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI). This is the second highly pathogenic AI within the province this winter and the 21st confirmed case nationwide. Currently, culling of 8,000 broiler ducks is being carried out at the affected farm. To prevent further spread, the province has designated a 10-kilometer radius around the outbreak farm as a quarantine area and is implementing movement restrictions and intensive disinfection on 36 local poultry farms. Dedicated disinfection vehicles have been deployed in the quarantine area to strengthen disinfection of farm entrances and exits and major traffic routes. A Jeollabuk-do official urged those involved in livestock farming to strictly follow biosecurity measures to prevent avian influenza and its spread, including prohibiting entry to migratory bird arrival sites, disinfecting vehicles and people entering and exiting farms, changing boots, and daily disinfection of the inside and outside of animal houses. sollenso@yna.co.kr