Osong Public Health Res Perspect.  2015 Apr;6(2):106-111. 10.1016/j.phrp.2015.01.005.

H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Republic of Korea: Epidemiology During the First Wave, from January Through July 2014

• Yoon H
• Moon OK
• Jeong W
• Choi J
• Kang YM
• Ahn HY
• Kim JH
• Yoo DS
• Kwon YJ
• Chang WS
• Kim MS
• Kim DS
• Kim YS
• Joo YS

• KMID: 2518195
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrp.2015.01.005

Abstract

Objectives
This study describes the outbreaks of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Korea during the first wave, from January 16, 2014 through July 25, 2014. Its purpose is to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of H5N8 HPAI.
Methods
Information on the outbreak farms and HPAI positive wild birds was provided by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. The epidemiological investigation sheets for the outbreak farms were examined.
Results
During the 7-month outbreak period (January–July 2014), H5N8 HPAI was confirmed in 212 poultry farms, 38 specimens from wild birds (stools, birds found dead or captured). Ducks were the most frequently infected poultry species (159 outbreak farms, 75.0%), and poultry in 67 (31.6%) outbreak farms was asymptomatic.
Conclusion
As in the previous four H5N1 epidemics of HPAI that occurred in Korea, this epidemic of H5N8 proved to be associated with migratory birds. Poultry farms in Korea can hardly be free from the risk of HPAI introduced via migratory birds. The best way to overcome this geographical factor is to reinforce biosecurity to prevent exposure of farms, related people, and poultry to the pathogen.

Keyword

H5N8; highly pathogenic avian influenza; Republic of Korea