A highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak has been confirmed at a laying-hen farm in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, marking South Korea’s third confirmed case this winter. The confirmation followed the detection of an H5 avian influenza antigen at the large farm in Heungcheon Township, where an initial response team restricted access and began an epidemiological investigation.
Authorities started culling about 260,000 laying hens at the affected farm under disease-control protocols. The available reports do not describe the birds’ symptoms, the detailed testing sequence or a suspected route by which the virus reached the property.
To limit possible spread, the government issued a 24-hour standstill order beginning at 10 p.m. on November 6. It covered chicken farms, related livestock facilities and vehicles in Gyeonggi, Gangwon and North Chungcheong provinces. The measure temporarily restricted movements associated with poultry operations while officials pursued containment and tracing work.
Authorities imposed movement controls across three provinces
Yeoju authorities intensified surveillance of nearby farms and urged operators to control outside vehicles and personnel, disinfect their premises daily and use boots reserved for farm work. Farmers were also told to report warning signs immediately, including reduced feed consumption or an increase in bird deaths.
The area has experienced a recent large outbreak. In 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza was reported at an adjacent farm managed by a family member of the current farm’s operator, leading to the culling of more than 230,000 laying hens. The new incident has therefore prompted another large-scale response in the same locality two years later, although the supplied evidence does not establish an epidemiological link between the two outbreaks. Officials’ investigation and surveillance of surrounding farms will determine whether additional infections are identified.