Seoul, Jan 5 (NationPress) In a bid to combat the ongoing threat of avian influenza (AI), the South Korean government is set to introduce a series of special quarantine measures this month, officials announced on Monday.

The Central Disaster Management Headquarters (CDMH) reported that since the onset of the cold season, a total of 30 cases of highly contagious AI have been detected in poultry farms, along with 22 cases among wild birds.

This winter, three strains of bird flu viruses – H5N1, H5N6, and H5N9 – have emerged, marking a historic moment as it is the first time in South Korea's history that more than two strains of AI have been confirmed at once. Notably, the H5N1 strain has been identified as being at least 10 times more infectious than in previous years, according to CDMH officials, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

To address this alarming situation, authorities will send quarantine personnel to 539 layer farms across the nation that house more than 50,000 laying hens for extensive inspections over the next two weeks.

Furthermore, measures will be taken to enhance disinfection protocols on roads adjacent to migratory bird habitats and poultry farms, along with random checks on vehicles entering these farms.

On December 29, officials confirmed two new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza at poultry farms situated in central and southwestern regions, raising the total number of cases this season to 26.

The most recent detections occurred at a duck farm in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province, and a chicken farm in Naju, South Jeolla Province, according to the Central Disaster Management Headquarters.

In response, authorities have restricted access to these farms, commenced culling of poultry, and initiated investigations into the outbreaks.

A temporary halt on operations at relevant facilities and farming vehicles in affected zones has also been enforced.

Last December, data indicated a significant spike in egg prices, raising alarms about possible supply disruptions linked to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The average retail price for a carton of 30 large eggs surpassed 7,000 won (USD 4.83) last week, as per data from the Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation. Prices had been stable around 6,000 won until recently, before shooting back above the 7,000 won threshold.

According to separate statistics from the ministry, egg prices increased by 7.3 percent in September compared to the previous year, outpacing the 5.3 percent rise in overall livestock product prices.