December 17, 2009

AH1N1 pig infections continue rising in Korea

The Korean government confirmed Wednesday (Dec 16) during nationwide inspections that 14 pig farms have animals infected with the AH1N1 flu virus.

In addition to the five pig farms confirmed earlier this week to have cases of AH1N1 in their livestock, the government found nine more farms with new flu cases, including five farms in North Gyeongsang Province, one in South Gyeongsang, one in Gyeonggi and one in Jeju Island.

The spread of the flu virus appears to be most rampant in Gunwi County in North Gyeongsang Province.

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has, in response, slapped a three-week exit and entry restriction on the infected farms. The ministry will also review whether pigs will require vaccinations.