EUMSEONG, South Korea, Nov. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – Thousands of chickens and ducks infected with the H5N6 bird flu virus at farms in South Jeolla and North Chungcheong provinces were culled over the weekend.
The virus has rapidly spread in the region, according to officials, killing dozens of birds since the outbreak. Some 250,000 birds at ten farms are currently being culled to prevent the virus’s further spread.
The H5N6 virus has thus far been reported in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Laos. In China, 15 individuals contracted the virus, with six deaths.
“Compared to other avian influenza viruses, we believe that H5N6 is less prone to human infection,” said a KCDC official. “There’s very little chance as long as one sticks to basic hygiene guidelines.”
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
