KOREA REPORTS AVIAN INFLUENZA CASE

[Anchor Lead]

A highly pathogenic strain of bird flu has been detected in the feces of wild birds in Cheonan, Chungcheongnamdo Province, prompting authorities to swiftly quarantine migratory bird habitats. Live stock farmers as well as citizens are being asked to stay away from migratory bird sanctuaries.

[Pkg]

Cheonsuman Bay in Seosan is the largest gathering place for migratory birds in Korea. Emergency sterilization is under way to block the spread of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza. Some 200-thousand birds have arrived in the bay area since late September, with the number expected to top 300-thousand by early next month.

[Soundbite] CHOI GI-HANG(SEOSAN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER) : "The largest number of birds are expected to arrive early next month, further raising the risk of exposure to bird flu."

Health authorities suspect other bird habitats may have already been exposed to AI in addition to the Bonggangcheon Stream area in Cheonan where an antigen was found.

Passage of livestock vehicles has already been restricted, but from Sunday, citizens will also be banned from entering bird habitats. Officials are concerned of more quarantine challenges if a bird flu outbreak occurs on top of the African swine fever and the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Soundbite] HEO IN(QUARANTINE OFFICIAL, CHUNGCHEONGNAM-DO PROV.) : "Preventing the spread of two diseases at the same time will be tough."

Around 570-thousand winter migratory birds have arrived in Korea so far. Their population is expected to exceed one million by December, putting authorities on high alert.