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South Korea Battles Triple Bird Flu Threat, Egg Prices Soar Amid Outbreak

South Korea is implementing special quarantine measures to combat a severe avian influenza outbreak involving three highly contagious strains, including an H5N1 variant significantly more infectious than in past years. Authorities are conducting intensive inspections at hundreds of large layer farms and strengthening disinfection near migratory bird habitats. The outbreak has led to the culling of poultry and movement restrictions in affected areas. Concurrently, egg prices have surged, raising concerns about supply disruptions and inflation.

Key Points: South Korea Implements Emergency Quarantine for Bird Flu Outbreak

  • Three AI strains confirmed simultaneously
  • H5N1 strain 10x more infectious
  • Intensive inspections at 539 major farms
  • Egg prices surge past 7,000 won
2 min read

South Korea to implement special quarantine measures to curb spread of bird flu

South Korea launches special quarantine measures as three bird flu strains spread, leading to mass poultry culling and rising egg prices.

"the H5N1 strain has been confirmed to be at least 10 times more infectious than in previous years - CDMH officials via Yonhap"

Seoul, Jan 5

The South Korean government will implement a set of special quarantine measures this month to prevent the further spread of avian influenza, officials said on Monday.

The Central Disaster Management Headquarters (CDMH) said 30 cases of highly contagious AI have been confirmed at poultry farms and 22 cases among wild birds since the cold season started.

In particular, three strains of bird flu viruses -- H5N1, H5N6 and H5N9 -- have been reported this winter, marking the first time in the country's history that more than two strains of AI have been confirmed simultaneously, while the H5N1 strain has been confirmed to be at least 10 times more infectious than in previous years, according to the CDMH officials, Yonhap News Agency reported.

In light of the situation, authorities will dispatch quarantine officials to 539 layer farms raising more than 50,000 laying hens nationwide over the next two weeks to conduct intensive inspections.

Authorities also plan to strengthen disinfection efforts on roads near migratory bird habitats and poultry farms and conduct random inspections on farming vehicles entering the farms.

On December 29, authorities said South Korea has confirmed two additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza at poultry farms in central and southwestern regions, bringing the total number of cases this season to 26.

The latest cases were detected at a duck farm in the county of Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, and at a chicken farm in Naju, South Jeolla Province, according to the Central Disaster Management Headquarters.

Authorities have restricted entry to the farms and begun culling poultry and investigating the outbreaks.

They have also ordered a temporary standstill on relevant facilities and farming vehicles in the affected areas.

In December last year, industry data showed that egg prices had surged recently, raising concerns over potential supply disruptions linked to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The average retail price of a carton of 30 large eggs exceeded 7,000 won (USD 4.83) last week, according to the data from the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation. Prices had remained in the 6,000-won range since last month before climbing back above the 7,000-won mark.

Separate data from the statistics ministry showed egg prices rose 7.3 per cent in September from a year earlier, outpacing the 5.3 per cent increase in overall livestock product prices.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The part about egg prices hitting consumers is very relatable. We saw similar price hikes in India during past bird flu scares. It affects everything from household budgets to restaurant costs. Hope they contain it quickly.
A
Aman W
Three strains at once? That's alarming. It shows how viruses are evolving. Our authorities in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying should study South Korea's response model. Preparedness is key.
S
Sarah B
The culling of birds is always the saddest part. It's necessary for containment, but must be done humanely. I appreciate that they are inspecting large farms first, as they pose the biggest risk of mass spread.
V
Vikram M
Good to see decisive action. After COVID, no country can afford to be lax about zoonotic diseases. The focus on disinfecting near migratory habitats is crucial. International cooperation on tracking these strains is needed.
K
Karthik V
While the measures seem thorough, I hope they also support the small and marginal farmers who will be hit hardest by the standstill orders and culling. Compensation must be swift and fair, a lesson we've learned in India as well.

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