Bird flu alert raised to highest level

By Jung Min-ho

The government has raised its bird flu alert to the highest warning level for the first time, as the disease quickly spreads across Korea.

Speaking to reporters, Friday, Agriculture Minister Kim Jae-soo said the ministry has raised the alert status to “serious” in an effort to contain the H5N6 avian influenza.

“The virus is spreading much faster than the H5N8 avian influenza did in 2014,” he said. “In a month, more than 16 million chickens and ducks have been culled.”

“Despite the government’s effort, the virus shows no signs of fading. As winter comes with migratory birds, the job is getting more difficult.”

The highest alter level means that all roads across the country will be monitored to prevent transportation of poultry and more preemptive disinfection efforts will be made. Moreover, the ministry can shut down poultry farms if deemed necessary.

“It is regrettable that the flu has caused a great deal of damage to many farms,” Kim said. “It is crucial for farms, which are at the frontline of the crisis, to pay more attention to the situations.”

He also promised to come up with a proper way of compensation for the farms affected by the outbreak.

After analyzing the H5N6 virus found in China and Hong Kong, the Korean ministry said the virus found here may have a slight genetic mutation. Animal testing has been conducted to assess the risks more precisely.

Kim said the possibility of human infection from the virus is extremely low. “Chickens, ducks and eggs in markets are safe to eat, even if they are infected with the virus,” he said.