Hwaseong: South Korea reported a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a layer farm in southern Gyeonggi Province. This is the fifth occurrence since the onset of the cold season.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the H5N1 bird flu was identified at a farm in Hwaseong, located approximately 60 kilometers south of Seoul. This farm has experienced two previous cases of bird flu over the past five years, as noted by the Central Disaster Management Headquarters (CDMH).

This recent detection marks the fifth instance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in South Korea since September, coinciding with declining temperatures. It also represents the second case at a layer farm during this period.

The CDMH announced plans to carry out special quarantine inspections at around 230 layer farms with prior bird flu outbreaks. Additionally, there will be enhanced monitoring of vehicles that visit the affected farm to curb further spread of the disease.

Lee Dong-sik, an agriculture ministry official responsible for quarantine policies, emphasized the risk of additional outbreaks nationwide. "Recent bird flu outbreaks at poultry farms have been repeatedly confirmed in the southern Gyeonggi region," Lee stated. With the arrival of winter migratory birds and cases being detected in wild birds across six regions, the threat remains high.

Lee urged all poultry farm workers and associated personnel to stay alert and rigorously adhere to quarantine protocols, including entry controls and disinfection measures at the farms.