South Korea has confirmed another case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a duck farm in Naju, located 285 kilometers south of Seoul. This brings the total number of cases this season to 34, with the virus spreading to over 20 cities and counties. Authorities have initiated measures such as culling birds and conducting investigations to contain the outbreak.
To detect potential cases early on, officials in South Korea are planning intensive inspections of breeder duck farms and hatcheries nationwide. In response to the recent spread of avian influenza, the country will import 2.24 million fresh eggs from the United States this month to stabilize domestic egg prices. This marks the first time in two years that South Korea will purchase US-produced eggs, with the last import occurring in January 2024.
As a preemptive measure against a potential egg supply shortage, the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corp. will purchase the eggs for distribution to supermarkets and food ingredient suppliers. Despite more than 4.32 million laying hens being culled due to avian influenza since the start of the cold season, the country’s egg supply remains stable. The number of laying hens has increased by 1.2% from the previous year, although daily egg production has slightly decreased by 1.1% to 49 million.
