November 17, 2025

South Korea reports avian influenza outbreak at commercial hen facility in Gyeonggi province

South Korea has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a commercial laying hen facility in Gyeonggi province, triggering immediate nationwide containment measures.

The H5 bird flu detection at a Pyeongtaek farm located approximately 50 kilometers south of Seoul has prompted agricultural authorities to implement comprehensive quarantine protocols and movement restrictions across the country's poultry industry.

The Central Disaster Management Headquarters has deployed specialised response teams to the affected farm to execute strict quarantine procedures including access limitations, systematic flock culling, and detailed epidemiological investigations.

Authorities have simultaneously imposed a 36-hour nationwide ban on all poultry transportation, affecting hen farms, related livestock facilities, and associated vehicles throughout South Korea in an effort to contain potential virus spread.

Health officials have issued public warnings urging citizens to avoid areas frequented by migratory birds potentially carrying the H5 influenza strain. The advisory emphasises strict adherence to quarantine guidelines and heightened biosecurity measures for both commercial poultry operations and private bird owners.

The current outbreak represents South Korea's first confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2025, following the initial detection of the virus in September.

- Yeni Safak