H5 bird flu antigen detected at quail farm in Paju, duck farm in Jincheon-gun

H5-type avian influenza antigens have been detected at a quail farm in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and a breeder duck farm in Jincheon-gun, North Chungcheong Province. The findings came on the same day a highly pathogenic AI case was confirmed at a laying hen farm in Ganghwa, Incheon, prompting quarantine authorities to impose emergency movement controls and order the culling of livestock at the two newly affected farms.

The Central Disaster Management Headquarters for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza said Thursday that H5-type AI antigens had been detected at a quail farm in Paju and a breeder duck farm in Jincheon-gun.

The Paju farm raises about 466,000 quail, while the Jincheon-gun farm raises about 2,000 breeder ducks. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency is conducting further tests at both farms to determine whether the strain is highly pathogenic, with results expected within one to three days.

Immediately after the antigens were detected, the headquarters dispatched rapid-response teams to both farms to restrict access and carry out emergency biosecurity measures, including culling and epidemiological investigations.

To prevent further spread, authorities issued 24-hour temporary movement bans in Gyeonggi Province and North Chungcheong Province.

The bans cover quail farms and related livestock facilities and vehicles in Gyeonggi Province, as well as duck farms affiliated with the same company as the Jincheon-gun farm and related livestock facilities and vehicles in North Chungcheong Province. The movement restrictions run from 11 p.m. Thursday to 11 p.m. Friday.

Four cases of highly pathogenic AI have been confirmed at domestic poultry farms so far this winter — in Yeoncheon and Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province, Jangheung in South Jeolla Province, and Ganghwa in Incheon. The Paju and Jincheon-gun farms are not included in that count, as their highly pathogenic status has yet to be confirmed.

The headquarters urged poultry farmers to strictly follow basic biosecurity protocols, including banning entry to migratory bird habitats, restricting outside vehicles and personnel, and disinfecting farms daily. Authorities particularly asked farmers to report to quarantine officials immediately if they observe any symptoms — not only increased mortality or drops in egg production, but also reduced feed intake, drowsiness, respiratory abnormalities or green diarrhea.