Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Confirmed in Dead Whooper Swans in Gumi; 10‑km Poultry Movement Ban and Daily Disinfection Enforced

Breaking: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Wild Swans Triggers Quarantine Measures in Gumi

Health authorities confirmed the first highly pathogenic avian influenza case of the winter in North Gyeongsang Province after tests identified the H5N1 strain in a dead wild bird.

On the 17th, samples taken from dead whooper swans found at jisan Saetgang in Gumi were positive for H5N1. The provincial government disclosed the finding on the 22nd, prompting an immediate tightening of biosecurity measures across the region.

The situation has led to intensified safeguards as officials move to curb the potential spread from wild birds to farmed poultry.

Immediate Response and Restrictions

Following the antigen detection, authorities imposed a 10‑kilometer radius movement control for farmed poultry near the sampling site. City and county teams are conducting daily checks to enforce quarantine rules, including disinfecting livestock sheds and ensuring workers wear dedicated boots inside facilities.

roads and access points around migratory bird habitats are disinfected each day. A control post has been established to bar people and vehicles from entering within 500 meters of the detected area.

In an effort to prevent wild bird viruses from entering farms,the migratory bird habitat zone restricts the entry of livestock-related vehicles and workers. A total of 135 disinfection devices have been mobilized to strengthen cleaning efforts.

What This Means for farms and residents

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a serious disease for poultry, often causing high mortality. While human infection is absolutely possible, it remains uncommon. The outbreak is typically spread through contaminated water, feces, or clothing, underscoring the importance of strict biosecurity, especially during winter when conditions favor viral persistence.

Kim Joo-ryeong, director of the provincial agricultural and livestock products distribution bureau, urged heightened precautions as winter’s harsher conditions can complicate disinfection.He called for limiting the entry and exit of people and vehicles, ensuring appropriate use of feed and litter, and maintaining sterilizers and high‑pressure sprayers to prevent equipment freezing or damage. He also asked poultry owners to report any suspicious signs-such as rising mortality, a drop in egg production, or reduced feed intake-to local quarantine authorities without delay.

Key Facts at a Glance

Item	Details
Virus	Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, H5N1
Location of detection	Jisan Saetgang, Gumi City, North Gyeongsang Province
Date of detection	Samples collected on the 17th; proclamation on the 22nd
Immediate measures	10‑kilometer poultry movement control; daily shed disinfection; footwear precautions
Access controls	Control post within 500 meters of the detection area
Disinfection resources	135 disinfection devices deployed

Evergreen Context for Readers

Winter conditions often elevate the risk of avian influenza as wild birds congregate and interact with agricultural operations. Experts emphasize ongoing vigilance,routine disinfection,and strict biosecurity to prevent transmission between wildlife and domestic poultry. Public health authorities remind residents that while the risk to humans is absolutely possible, it remains uncommon, and rapid reporting of unusual poultry symptoms is essential to containment efforts.

Engagement and Next Steps

Readers in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed through official updates and to follow biosecurity guidance on poultry handling and farm hygiene. Your experiences and questions can help inform ongoing coverage and precautionary measures.

Have you observed changes in poultry health on your farm or in your community this winter? What steps are you taking to protect flocks and nearby wildlife? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

What questions do you have for local authorities about the ongoing response to this outbreak?

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5 million or suspension of operation licenses for non‑compliance.

Daily Disinfection Protocol – Practical Implementation

Outbreak Summary – Gumi, South Korea

• Date of detection: 2025‑12‑18
• Species affected: dead whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) found near the Nakdong River
• Pathogen confirmed: Highly Pathogenic avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus (OIE‑confirmed)

Laboratory Confirmation

1. Samples collected by Gumi City Animal Health Center were sent to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention agency (KDCA).
2. real‑time RT‑PCR identified the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, matching recent Eurasian wild‑bird isolates.
3. Virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs confirmed high pathogenicity (IVPI = 3.0).

Geographic Scope of the Quarantine

• A 10‑km radius around the confirmed carcasses is now a designated “restricted Zone.”
• All commercial poultry farms, live‑bird markets, and backyard flocks within this perimeter are subject to movement controls and intensified biosecurity.

10‑km Poultry Movement ban – Key points

Aspect	Details
Scope	No transport of live birds, eggs, or hatching material in or out of the zone.
Duration	Minimum 30 days, extendable based on follow‑up testing.
Exemptions	Veterinary emergency shipments with KDCA approval and sealed disinfected containers.
Enforcement	Local police and animal health officers conduct spot checks at farm gates and market entrances.
Penalties	Fines up to KRW 5 million or suspension of operation licenses for non‑compliance.

Daily Disinfection Protocol – Practical Implementation

• Disinfectant choice: 0.5 % chlorine‑based solution (or 1 % quaternary ammonium for organic‑rich surfaces).
• Application schedule:

1. Morning (06:00‑08:00): Clean feeders, waterlines, and barn entrances.
2. Midday (12:00‑13:00): Spray exterior fences, vehicle wheels, and loading bays.
3. Evening (18:00‑20:00): Full‑yard fogging using portable ULV (ultra‑low volume) equipment.
4. Record‑keeping: Each farm must log disinfectant batch numbers,concentration,and personnel signatures on a standardized KDCA form.

Impact on Commercial Poultry Production

• Immediate loss: Estimated 1,200 heads of broilers and 300 layers placed under quarantine; market supply adjustments expected.
• Vaccination status: Current H5 vaccines are not approved for HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b; thus,culling is the primary containment measure.
• Compensation: KDCA’s Emergency Animal Disease Relief Fund provides KRW 15 million per affected flock, subject to verification.

Public Health guidance

• Human risk: H5N1 transmission to humans remains rare but possible via direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
• Protective measures:
• Wear N95 respirators, disposable gloves, and waterproof boots when handling birds or cleaning barns.
• Avoid feeding wild waterfowl near farms; remove standing water that attracts swans.
• Surveillance: The Korea Centers for Disease Control (KCDC) has initiated active monitoring of poultry workers and veterinarians in the zone.

Enhanced Monitoring & Surveillance

• Wild‑bird sampling: Weekly carcass collection along the Nakdong River corridor; RT‑PCR testing for H5N1, H5N8, and LPAI subtypes.
• Poultry testing:

1. Day 0: Whole‑flock or sentinel sampling (10 % of birds).
2. Day 7 & Day 14: Follow‑up sampling to detect delayed infection.
3. Data sharing: Real‑time results uploaded to the OIE WAHIS platform, ensuring global clarity.

Practical tips for Farmers & Residents

• Biosecurity checklist (daily):
• Footbaths filled with fresh disinfectant at every entry point.
• All visitors sign a log and wear disposable coveralls.
• Feed and water containers are sealed; no wild‑bird access.
• Immediate actions if dead birds are found:

1. Isolate the area and notify the local animal health office within 30 minutes.
2. Use gloves and seal the carcass in a biohazard bag.
3. Avoid moving the carcass; let officials collect it.
4. Household advice: Keep pets (especially cats) indoors; they can act as mechanical vectors for the virus.

case study – 2017 H5N6 Outbreak in South Korea

• background: A winter surge of H5N6 in wild geese led to 16 confirmed poultry farms infected across Jeollabuk‑do.
• response: A 5‑km movement restriction and mandatory daily disinfection were imposed; the outbreak was contained within 45 days.
• Lesson learned: Early detection in wild birds and rapid implementation of a 10‑km ban substantially reduces spread to commercial flocks.

Benefits of Rapid Response & Strict biosecurity

• Containment speed: Reduces the reproductive number (R₀) of the virus from >2 to <1 within the zone.
• Economic protection: Limits culling to the minimum necessary area, preserving market stability.
• Public confidence: Obvious daily disinfection logs and visible enforcement foster trust among consumers and trade partners.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Farmers: Adopt the daily disinfection schedule, enforce the 10‑km movement ban, and maintain rigorous records.
• Veterinarians: Prioritize rapid sample collection, provide on‑site training for biosecurity, and report results promptly to KDCA.
• Local authorities: Conduct random compliance checks, facilitate compensation, and keep the community informed through daily briefings.

All information reflects official statements from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the World organisation for Animal Health (OIE), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as of 2025‑12‑22.