SEOUL   –   South Korea has confirmed a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a chicken farm in the northern city of Pocheon, bringing the number of reported cases this season to 44, officials said Tuesday. The latest case was detected at the farm in Pocheon, some 40 kilometers north of Seoul, which raises about 380,000 chickens, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. It marked the first time since 2021 that the city reported an avian influenza case.

Authorities have restricted access to the farm, begun culling the chickens and are investigating the case. They have also issued temporary standstill orders on relevant facilities and farming vehicles in the affected area. The government extended the nationwide intensive disinfection campaign through the end of this month to prevent additional outbreaks following the Lunar New Year holiday.

Disinfection will be carried out at least twice a day at migratory bird habitats, poultry farms, livestock facilities and related vehicles, the officials said.