04 June 2010
After the previous LPAI outbreaks in Cholla-namdo on
13 May 2010, the local veterinary authorities have been tracing the epidemiologically linked farms and conducting tests for avian influenza. During the testing for avian influenza,
two duck farms in
Cholla-namdo and
two duck farms in
Cholla-bukdo were found to be positive by haemagglutination tests on 26 May and 2 June, respectively. The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) found avian influenza antigen (
H7) by PCR on 26 May and 2 June. The NVRQS then confirmed it as low pathogenic avian influenza virus (
H7N7) by gene sequencing on 27 May and 3 June. The poultry in the farms were culled as a precautionary measure and disinfection and other control measures were implemented. Currently, clinical surveillance and laboratory testing are underway for these epidemiologically linked farms. Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: H5 and H7 avian influenza in its low pathogenic form in poultry is a notifiable disease as per Chapter 10.4. on avian influenza of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code (2009).