The Central Accident Response Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza announced on January 9 that highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N9) was confirmed at a meat duck farm in Naju, Jeollanam-do. Consequently, a meeting involving relevant agencies and local governments was held to review the outbreak situation and strengthen quarantine management.
On January 8, a precision inspection was conducted following a report of increased duck deaths at a meat duck farm in Naju, Jeollanam-do, and highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed on January 9. This marks the 34th occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza during the ’25/’26 winter season and the 5th occurrence at a meat duck farm. With 22 cases in December and 6 cases in January, the likelihood of additional outbreaks nationwide is very high.
Upon confirmation of the H5 antigen on January 8, the Central Accident Response Headquarters immediately deployed an initial response team to control access and conducted culling and epidemiological investigations at the outbreak farm. Additionally, a 24-hour standstill order was issued from midnight on January 8 to midnight on January 9 for related farms, facilities, and vehicles in Jeollanam-do. Precision inspections were conducted on 43 poultry farms within the quarantine zone, and disinfection efforts were intensified nationwide, including migratory bird habitats and poultry farm access roads.
To prevent further outbreaks, the Central Accident Response Headquarters is strengthening quarantine measures. Dedicated personnel are assigned to poultry farms within the quarantine zone of the outbreak duck farm, and precision inspections are conducted on all breeding duck farms and hatcheries nationwide. Furthermore, a ‘National Disinfection Day’ is designated for intensive disinfection of livestock vehicles and materials, and a nationwide intensive disinfection week is operated to disinfect roads near migratory bird habitats and nearby poultry farms at least twice daily.