# Avian influenza outbreak in South Korea

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/avian-influenza-outbreak-in-south-korea
> Updated: 2026-10-27T01:42:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Highly pathogenic H5 type avian influenza was first detected in wild bird feces at Suncheonman Bay in South Jeolla Province. In response, the South Korean government raised the national crisis alert level from ‘Caution’ to ‘Serious’ and activated the Central Disaster Management Headquarters.

Following a second detection of H5N1 in the lower reaches of the Han River in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, authorities expanded emergency measures. These include designating surveillance areas, banning free-range poultry farming in Gyeonggi Province, and implementing mandatory precision testing for poultry shipments. Local authorities have also deployed disinfection vehicles and utilized laser equipment to deter migratory birds near poultry farms.

## Claims

- South Korea raised the highly pathogenic avian influenza crisis alert level to ‘serious’. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- This is the second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in wild birds in South Korea this year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Poultry farms are being advised to implement strict disinfection of vehicles, people, and equipment. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in wild bird droppings in the lower Han River in Gimpo. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gyeonggi Province has banned free-range poultry farming across the entire province. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A 10km radius around the antigen detection site has been designated as a wild bird surveillance area. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Authorities are using laser equipment to drive away birds from poultry farms. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Gimhae City has established and is operating a quarantine response headquarters. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: South Korea raises avian influenza alert to ‘serious’ level

South Korea has upgraded its avian influenza alert to ‘serious’ after H5N1 was confirmed in wild bird droppings in Gimpo.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-raises-avian-influenza-alert-to-serious-level

### 2026-10-20: Suncheonman Bay wild birds test positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza

South Korean authorities have raised the avian influenza crisis alert to ‘Serious’ after H5 highly pathogenic AI was detected in wild bird feces at Suncheonman Bay.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suncheonman-bay-wild-birds-test-positive-for-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza

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Cite as: Avian influenza outbreak in South Korea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/avian-influenza-outbreak-in-south-korea