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South Korea's bird flu problems continue to escalate with outbreaks either suspected or confirmed now in 32 locations.
So far there is no explanation as to how this virus found its way into that nation's poultry farms, nor why it has spread so rapidly.
Bird flu spreads further in S. Korea
SEOUL, April 14 (Yonhap) -- The number of suspected and confirmed bird flu outbreaks in southwestern South Korea has reached 32 despite intensified quarantine efforts, the government said Monday.
The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said two new cases were reported in Hampyeong, South Jeolla Province and Iksan in North Jeolla Province late Sunday.
There had been no reported outbreaks of bird flu in either of the areas since the first alert was sounded late last month.
The initial outbreaks reported up till last Tuesday were centered around Gimje and Jeongeup in North Jeolla region, but this started spreading to Naju on Wednesday and to Yeongam over the weekend.
Gimje and Jeongeup are roughly 260 kilometers south of Seoul, while Iksan and Hampyeong lay 230 kilometers and 383 kilometers from the capital city.
Of the 32 individual cases tallied so far, 15 have tested positive for the H5 virulent strain of the avian influenza.
It said all ducks and chickens infected by the virulent strain have been culled and buried along with those birds in nearby farms. Tests are underway on the remaining cases, but experts said that most may be linked to the H5 strain.
The movement of birds, people and humans within a 10 kilometer radius of infected farms is being strictly controlled to prevent further spread of the bird flu.
The ministry and the police, meanwhile, are investigating a reports that local poultry distributors may have sold contaminated birds after the outbreak occurred. Shipping contaminated animals could result in fines and criminal charges.
"The exact reason why the outbreak occurred in the first place and why it has spread so rapidly is being examined, but it may take some time to find the exact cause," a ministry official, who declined to be identified said.
South Korea was hit twice before by outbreaks of bird flu, once in the winter of 2002-2003 and again in the cold months of 2005-2006.
