The Central Accident Management 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. In response, a meeting involving relevant agencies and local governments was held to review the outbreak situation and strengthen quarantine measures.
On January 8, a precision inspection was conducted following a report from the farm owner about an increase in duck deaths at a meat duck farm in Naju, Jeollanam-do. As a result, 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 fifth occurrence at a meat duck farm. This winter season saw 22 cases in December and 6 cases in January, indicating a high possibility of further outbreaks nationwide.
Upon confirmation of the H5 antigen at the meat duck farm in Naju on January 8, the Central Accident Management Headquarters immediately deployed an initial response team to control access and conduct culling and epidemiological investigations according to the ‘Avian Influenza Emergency Action Guidelines (SOP)’. Additionally, a 24-hour standstill order was issued for the affected region, including related farms, facilities, and vehicles, and compliance was monitored.
To prevent further outbreaks, the Central Accident Management Headquarters is strengthening quarantine measures. Dedicated personnel are assigned to manage poultry farms within the quarantine zone of the affected duck farm, and a nationwide precision inspection of breeding duck farms and hatcheries is conducted. Furthermore, a ‘National Intensive Disinfection Week’ is operated to disinfect roads around migratory bird habitats and nearby poultry farms twice daily.