Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever Cases Rise in South Jeolla Province, South Korea

South Jeolla Province in South Korea is experiencing a surge in animal infectious diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and African swine fever (ASF). Authorities are implementing stringent quarantine measures to control the outbreaks and prevent further spread.

Avian Influenza Outbreak

On February 19, 2026, the H5 avian influenza antigen was detected at a broiler duck farm in Yongbang-myeon, Gurye-gun. In response, quarantine authorities culled 29,600 ducks at the affected farm and an additional 46,800 ducks at two farms located within 500 meters of the initial outbreak site. Jeollanam-do Detects Avian Influenza Antigen at Gokseong Meat Duck Farm

The initial quarantine team from the Livestock Sanitation and Quarantine Support Headquarters was deployed to the farm to control access and conduct thorough inspections of poultry farms within a 10km quarantine zone. Disinfection efforts are being intensified, focusing on roads around small rivers, reservoirs, and entrances to poultry farms.

Since the first outbreak at a broiler duck farm in Yeongam on December 19, 2025, a total of nine cases of avian influenza have been reported in Jeollanam-do, including cases in Naju and Gokseong. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed at Duck Farm in Naju, Jeollanam-do

African Swine Fever Cases

African swine fever, which has been spreading along the west coast of South Korea, is also affecting Jeollanam-do. Two cases have been confirmed in the province since an initial outbreak at a pig farm in Yeonggwang on January 26, 2026.

Quarantine measures, including preventive culling, have been implemented at the affected farms. Jeollanam-do plans to conduct thorough investigations of the environment inside all 471 pig farms in the province to prevent the further spread of ASF.

Quarantine Measures and Prevention

Officials from South Jeolla Province emphasize the importance of strict disinfection and management practices, particularly as there is currently no vaccine available for African swine fever. Recommended measures include requiring workers to wear quarantine clothing when entering and exiting farms and conducting disinfection twice daily.

“There is no vaccine for African swine fever, so thorough disinfection and management are very important,” stated an official from South Jeolla Province.

National and Global Context

As of February 18, 2026, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5) is widespread in wild birds globally and causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. Dairy cows, with sporadic human cases reported in U.S. Dairy and poultry workers. A (H5) Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC The CDC is monitoring the situation closely and working with states to monitor potential human exposures.

In the Republic of Korea, eight fresh outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 were reported in domestic poultry farms in multiple provinces, including Jeollanam-do, as of January 31, 2025. Avian Influenza Weekly Update Number 984