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South Korea Reports 37th Bird Flu Case, Expands Quarantine to 21 Farms

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Gokseong Duck Farm Reports Fresh Avian Influenza Case new H5N1 infection was confirmed on a duck farm in Gokseong, roughly 250 km south of Seoul, where approximately 27,000 ducks are raised. Officials sealed the premises, began culling the affected birds, and opened an investigation into the outbreak’s source. Access to the site remains restricted while veterinary teams collect samples for testing [1].

Seasonal Toll Rises to Thirty‑Seven Confirmed Infections The Gokseong incident brings the nationwide count of confirmed avian influenza cases this season to 37, according to the animal health ministry. The government continues to monitor all affected locations and has heightened surveillance across the poultry sector. The rising tally underscores the virus’s persistence in South Korean farms despite earlier containment attempts [1].

Quarantine Zone Expanded to Twenty‑One Nearby Poultry Farms Authorities have designated a 10‑kilometer radius around the Gokseong outbreak, deploying dedicated officials to monitor 21 poultry farms within this zone. These teams conduct daily inspections, enforce biosecurity protocols, and report any suspicious mortality. The expanded perimeter aims to halt further spread before the virus reaches additional commercial operations [1].

Authorities Intensify Surveillance of Affiliate Duck Operations In parallel, intensive disease‑control checks are underway at 60 duck farms operated by affiliates linked to the Gokseong outbreak. Veterinary inspectors are sampling birds, reviewing feed and water sources, and verifying disinfection procedures. This broader sweep seeks to identify hidden infection clusters and prevent secondary transmission to other regions [1].

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Timeline

Dec 21, 2025 – South Korea confirms its 16th highly pathogenic avian influenza case at a duck farm in Naju, housing about 23,000 ducks. Authorities impose special quarantine at the farm and launch intensive inspections of more than 200 duck farms across South Jeolla to curb further spread[7].

Dec 24, 2025 – Three new infections emerge at a chicken farm in Anseong and duck farms in Gochang and Naju, pushing the seasonal tally to 21. Officials restrict entry, begin culling, and deploy agriculture‑ministry teams for investigations and broader inspections of duck farms in North Jeolla[6].

Dec 27, 2025 (08:14 UTC) – A highly pathogenic avian influenza case appears at an Asan chicken farm with roughly 21,000 birds, raising the total to 23. Entry is barred, culling starts, and a temporary standstill on nearby farming vehicles is issued to limit transmission[5].

Dec 27, 2025 (11:10 UTC) – Two additional cases are reported, including a chicken farm in Yeongam (≈33,000 chickens), bringing the count to 24. The earlier Asan case on Dec 26 is noted, and authorities enforce entry bans, culling, and vehicle standstills across the affected southern provinces[4].

Dec 29, 2025 – Two more outbreaks are confirmed at a duck farm in Eumseong and a chicken farm in Naju, raising the season total to 26. Access to the farms is restricted, culling begins, and vehicle movement is halted at a nearby Pyeongtaek chicken farm to tighten containment[3].

Jan 9, 2026 – A new case surfaces at a Naju duck farm with about 27,000 ducks, increasing the nationwide total to 34. Quarantine officials block farm access, commence culling, and launch an investigation, while the government expands intensive inspections of breeder duck farms and hatcheries after the virus spreads to more than 20 cities and counties[2].

Jan 20, 2026 – The latest outbreak is detected at a Gokseong duck farm (≈27,000 ducks), bringing the season’s confirmed cases to 37. Authorities expand the containment zone to 21 farms within a 10‑km radius and conduct intensive disease‑control checks at 60 affiliated duck farms, underscoring the escalating scope of the epidemic[1].

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