**Summary**:
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been reported at a layer farm in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. This marks the 20th case of HPAI this winter and the ninth among layer farms. The government, anticipating the potential for outbreaks nationwide, has strengthened its biosecurity measures. The Central Accident Management Headquarters confirmed the H5N1 strain of HPAI after detecting the virus antigen at the farm, which housed about 104,000 birds.
In response, authorities have restricted access to the affected farm and initiated an epidemiological investigation and culling process. The government is tightening biosecurity in regions with frequent outbreaks, including parts of Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, Sejong, and Jeollabuk-do, classifying them into three special management zones. By January 17, a special inspection of these high-risk areas will be conducted. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs advised farmers to report any suspicious symptoms, such as a drop in egg production or reduced feed intake, without delay.
As of now, 1.35 million birds have been culled due to HPAI, amounting to only 1.66% of the total national poultry population of 81.2 million, thereby having minimal impact on supply levels.