H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Republic of Korea: Epidemiology During the First Wave, from January Through July 2014.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the outbreaks of H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Korea during the first wave, from January 16, 2014 through July 25, 2014. Its purpose is to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of H5N8 HPAI.


METHODS
Information on the outbreak farms and HPAI positive wild birds was provided by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency. The epidemiological investigation sheets for the outbreak farms were examined.


RESULTS
During the 7-month outbreak period (January-July 2014), H5N8 HPAI was confirmed in 212 poultry farms, 38 specimens from wild birds (stools, birds found dead or captured). Ducks were the most frequently infected poultry species (159 outbreak farms, 75.0%), and poultry in 67 (31.6%) outbreak farms was asymptomatic.


CONCLUSIONS
As in the previous four H5N1 epidemics of HPAI that occurred in Korea, this epidemic of H5N8 proved to be associated with migratory birds. Poultry farms in Korea can hardly be free from the risk of HPAI introduced via migratory birds. The best way to overcome this geographical factor is to reinforce biosecurity to prevent exposure of farms, related people, and poultry to the pathogen.
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Hachung
H
Yoon
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Oun-Kyong
OK
Moon
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Wooseog
W
Jeong
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Jida
J
Choi
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Young-Myong
YM
Kang
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Hyo-Young
HY
Ahn
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Jee-Hye
JH
Kim
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Dae-Sung
DS
Yoo
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Young-Jin
YJ
Kwon
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Woo-Seok
WS
Chang
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Myeong-Soo
MS
Kim
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Do-Soon
DS
Kim
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Yong-Sang
YS
Kim
Veterinary Epidemiology Division, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), Anyang, Korea.
Yi-Seok
YS
Joo
H5N8; Republic of Korea; highly pathogenic avian influenza