Korea issues nationwide standstill for poultry farms amid bird flu cases

Health officials disinfect an area near duck farms at Jangseong, South Jeolla Province, Saturday. Yonhap

The government issued a 48-hour standstill order for all poultry farms across the country Saturday following a series of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases.

Until Sunday, all poultry farms and livestock production facilities, including vehicles and personnel, will be subject to the movement ban, with disinfection work to be carried out during the period, the authorities said.

The country has been reporting the bird flu cases at local farms nationwide, including South and North Jeolla, Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces.

On Friday, South Korea confirmed two more cases, raising the total for this season to 10 outbreaks.

Avian influenza is contagious and can cause severe illness and even death in poultry.

The country reported its first case in 32 months in late October in Cheonan, about 90 kilometers south of Seoul, among migratory birds. (Yonhap)