Suncheonman Bay wild birds test positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) of the H5 type has been confirmed in wild bird feces collected from Suncheonman Bay in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. This marks the first detection of highly pathogenic AI in domestic wild birds for the current winter season.

In response, the South Korean government has raised the national AI crisis alert level from ‘Caution’ to ‘Serious’ and activated the Central Disaster Management Headquarters. Authorities have established a 24-hour emergency response system across all local governments.

Emergency measures include designating a 3km radius around the detection site as a ‘Special Management Area’ with restricted access for people and vehicles. Within a 10km radius, officials are conducting special surveillance, searching for dead wild birds, and implementing movement controls and inspections on poultry farms. Additionally, a week-long intensive disinfection period has been declared for poultry farms and livestock-related facilities nationwide.