Seoul: South Korea has confirmed two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza at poultry farms, bringing the number of cases this season to 41, officials said Saturday. The latest cases were detected at a layer chicken farm in the county of Bonghwa, about 210 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and a breeding duck farm in Geochang, a county some 280 kilometers south of Seoul, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.

According to Yonhap News Agency, authorities have restricted access to the farms, begun culling the birds, and are investigating the cases. They have also issued temporary standstill orders on relevant facilities and farming vehicles in the affected areas, the officials said.

The government plans to conduct intensive inspections and disease-control checks at layer chicken and duck farms by Feb. 20.