The Central Accident Management Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, led by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, announced a confirmed H5N1 outbreak at a layer farm in Jeonbuk Iksan on April 1, 2025. This farm, housing approximately 140,000 chickens, reported increased mortality, prompting immediate testing and confirmation of the virus. The outbreak marks the 61st case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic poultry farms during the 2025/2026 winter season. Despite a decrease in migratory bird populations, the risk remains due to ongoing virus detection in local wild birds.
The outbreak has significant implications for poultry farmers, local governments, and related industries in Jeonbuk and neighboring regions. Affected farms face movement restrictions, mandatory disinfection, and close monitoring. The authorities have issued a 24-hour standstill order for layer-related farms, facilities, and vehicles in Jeonbuk and adjacent Chungnam cities (Seocheon, Buyeo, Nonsan). Additionally, 78 poultry farms within a 10km radius of the outbreak are undergoing thorough inspections, and all available disinfection resources are being deployed.
Following the detection of H5 antigen on March 31, 2025, rapid response teams were dispatched to enforce entry controls and conduct epidemiological investigations. The government has extended the special biosecurity period until April 15, 2025, including intensified nationwide disinfection campaigns and strict administrative orders. Producer associations are collaborating on mass cleaning and disinfection efforts, with particular focus from April 1 to April 3, designated as intensive disinfection days for poultry farms and livestock vehicles.
Frequently asked questions include: What actions must poultry farmers take? Farmers are required to comply with biosecurity protocols, report unusual mortality, and participate in scheduled disinfection. How are authorities preventing further outbreaks? Measures include standstill orders, farm inspections, vehicle registration, and environmental testing. What is the timeline for enhanced measures? The special biosecurity period and nationwide disinfection will continue until April 15, 2025, with ongoing monitoring and guidance for all stakeholders.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s rapid and coordinated response to the H5N1 outbreak in Jeonbuk Iksan highlights the importance of strict biosecurity and inter-agency collaboration. The extension of the special biosecurity period and nationwide disinfection campaigns are grounded in past outbreak patterns and current risk assessments. By targeting high-risk farms and vehicles, and involving producer associations, the government is taking comprehensive steps to prevent further spread. Ongoing monitoring and stakeholder compliance will be essential for successful containment and recovery.