Low-Path Bird Flu Virus Found in South Korea

SOUTH KOREA - During routine surveillance at a market, H7N2 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) has been found in a duck.

15 December 2009

3 minute read

The South Korean veterinary authority sent Immediate Notification dated 13 December to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The report describes how one duck died in a group of more than 170 birds was found to be carrying the LPAI virus at a market in Sukgok-myun in Cholla-Namdo province in the south of the country.

The report states that, on 26 November 2009 and as part of avian influenza surveillance in the Republic of Korea, Livestock Health Control Association collected faecal samples from chickens and ducks in Sukgok traditional market place, a market held every five days. The samples were sent to Seoul National University, which is one of the preliminary testing laboratories for avian influenza. A sample from a duck was proved as positive using haemagglutination test on 8 December.

For confirmation, the sample was sent to the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) on the same day. The NVRQS confirmed using gene sequencing that the virus isolated from duck faeces was low pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N2 sub-type. The remaining 173 chickens and ducks retained by the index seller were culled and burned.

After this confirmation, the investigation is underway to trace the farmer who supplied chickens or ducks to the index seller and the epidemiologically related farms. The avian influenza surveillance in the area surrounding the farms will be intensified, according to the official report.