March 9, 2026

South Korea sees 53 bird flu cases following outbreak in northern outskirts of Seoul

South Korea has confirmed one additional case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a farm on the northern outskirts of Seoul, bringing the total number of cases this season to 53, officials said on March 7.

The new case was reported at a poultry farm in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.

Authorities said they are currently controlling access to the farm, culling the affected birds and investigating the case.

A 24-hour standstill has also been issued for neighboring areas of the farm, they added.

The government has ordered a special inspection of over 200 poultry farms nationwide by March 20 to prevent further spread of the disease amid the seasonal migration of birds toward the end of winter.

- Yonhap