H5 type avian influenza confirmed at a duck farm in Yeongam, Jeonnam

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Yoon-gu = The Central Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI) Incident Management announced on the 9th that the H5 type AI antigen was confirmed at a meat duck farm located in Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province. The H5 type antigen was detected in an inspection before the farm shipped the ducks to the slaughterhouse. When highly pathogenic AI occurs, all poultry can only be shipped to the slaughterhouse if the results of a detailed inspection before shipment are negative. Since the H5 type AI antigen detection is likely to be judged as highly pathogenic, the Central Headquarters has deployed an initial response team to the farm in accordance with the prevention guidelines and emergency action guidelines, implementing measures such as access control, culling, and epidemiological investigation. In addition, to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic AI, the Central Headquarters issued a 24-hour temporary suspension of movement order for all duck farms and related livestock facilities and livestock vehicles nationwide. The Central Headquarters emphasized that people should refrain from entering areas where migratory birds, which may come into contact with the virus, are present, and strictly adhere to basic prevention rules such as disinfecting entry vehicles, changing into dedicated boots before entering the barn, and other measures. ykim@yna.co.kr