South Korea Launches Nationwide Quarantine, Inspections After Multi‑Strain Bird Flu Surge
Updated (3 articles)
Government Announces Immediate Quarantine Measures The Central Disaster Management Headquarters will roll out intensified controls across the country for the next two weeks, ordering farm inspections, road disinfection near migratory bird habitats, and strict access restrictions to poultry operations [1][2]. Officials aim to halt transmission between wild and domestic birds by tightening bio‑security at every point of contact. The measures apply to all provinces, reflecting a coordinated national response.
Avian Influenza Cases Rise Across Farms and Wild Birds Since the cold season began, authorities have confirmed 32 outbreaks at poultry farms and 22 among wild birds, while another report lists 30 farm cases, indicating a slight data discrepancy between sources [1][2]. The simultaneous rise in both sectors signals broader spread this winter. The surge prompted the government to elevate containment efforts and mobilize additional resources.
Three Highly Infectious Strains Detected Simultaneously H5N1, H5N6 and H5N9 have been identified this season, marking the first time more than two avian‑influenza strains have co‑occurred in South Korea [1][2]. H5N1 is reported to be at least ten times more infectious than in previous years, raising concerns about rapid transmission. The multi‑strain situation complicates vaccine and control strategies.
Inspection Campaign Targets 539 Large Layer Farms Quarantine officials will visit 539 layer farms that house over 50,000 laying hens each, conducting intensive inspections for infection signs and operational gaps over the next two weeks [1][2]. This large‑scale surveillance push targets the egg‑production sector, which could amplify outbreaks if left unchecked. Inspectors will also collect samples for laboratory analysis.
Disinfection and Vehicle Checks Expanded Near Migratory Habitats Authorities will strengthen road disinfection along routes near migratory bird habitats and conduct random inspections of farming vehicles entering poultry facilities [1][2]. A chicken farm in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, exemplifies on‑site vehicle access restrictions already in place. These steps aim to reduce cross‑contamination from equipment and transport.
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: South Korea to implement special quarantine measures to curb bird flu spread: Highlights the latest outbreak at an Iksan farm, the detection of three strains (H5N1, H5N6, H5N9), a plan to dispatch inspectors to 539 layer farms, and expanded road disinfection and random vehicle checks .
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[2]
Yonhap: South Korea to impose special quarantine measures to curb bird flu spread: Emphasizes 30 farm cases, the Pyeongtaek farm’s vehicle restrictions, the same 539‑farm inspection rollout, and intensified disinfection and vehicle inspections nationwide .
Timeline
Dec 22, 2025 – The Central Disaster Management Headquarters confirms a highly pathogenic H5N1 case at a quail farm in Jincheon, North Chungcheong, raising the season’s total to 17 outbreaks. The agency tightens quarantine inspections and vehicle monitoring at the site and announces nationwide inspections of laying‑hen farms through year‑end to curb further spread[3].
Jan 5, 2026 (06:10 UTC) – Officials report 30 confirmed avian‑influenza cases on poultry farms and 22 among wild birds, marking a clear expansion of the virus this winter. Three strains—H5N1, H5N6 and H5N9—are detected, the first instance of more than two strains circulating simultaneously in South Korea, with H5N1 “at least 10 times more infectious than in previous years”[2]. Quarantine teams prepare to inspect 539 layer farms (each housing >50,000 laying hens) over the next two weeks, while intensified road‑side disinfection and random vehicle checks aim to block transmission from migratory habitats to farms[2]. A Pyeongtaek chicken farm already enforces vehicle‑access restrictions, illustrating on‑ground measures[2].
Jan 5, 2026 (11:21 UTC) – The Central Disaster Management Headquarters rolls out special quarantine measures nationwide for the next two weeks, deploying inspectors to the 539 identified layer farms and launching road‑disinfection near migratory‑bird habitats. The agency records 32 farm‑based and 22 wild‑bird AI cases this season, and confirms a new outbreak at an Iksan farm in North Jeolla, prompting immediate access restrictions and epidemiological investigations[1]. Three strains—H5N1, H5N6, H5N9—continue to circulate, with H5N1 described as “at least 10 times more infectious than in prior years,” underscoring heightened transmission risk[1]. Random vehicle inspections and heightened disinfection aim to prevent cross‑contamination between farms and wild‑bird sites[1].