Via The Korea Times: Avian flu strain spreading fast. Excerpt:
The H5N6 avian influenza has appeared in an alarming number of fowls in Korea in just a month. Nearly 9 million chickens and ducks have already been slaughtered since Nov. 16 when the first case was reported.
In an urgent effort to contain the bird flu virus, the government has ordered a nationwide standstill and preemptive disinfection for all poultry houses and equipment.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said Monday it has ordered 89,000 places linked to the poultry industry, including farms and slaughterhouses across the country, to stay put from the beginning of Tuesday to the end of Wednesday, halting all deliveries of products or equipment.
Violators could face up to one year in prison or a maximum fine of 10 million won ($8,500) according to the domestic animal infectious disease control law.
In cooperation with the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and regional governments, the ministry also plans to carry out nationwide disinfections during the period.
