LOC13:16
10:16 GMT
TOKYO, April 16 (KUNA) -- The South Korean government has decided to send
in additional soldiers to help destroy tens of thousands of fowl infected with
the deadly avian influenza, better known as bird flu, Seoul's Yonhap News
Agency reported Wednesday, citing an official from the Ministry of National
Defense.
The decision came as the government issued the second highest level of
alert for bird flu earlier in the day.
"The military has set up 23 quarantine and inspection posts at various
areas in North Jeolla Province in the country's southwest, where outbreaks
have been most serious, and mobilized an average of 185 troops a day to help
stop the spread of avian influenza," Yonhap quoted the official as saying.
The additional troops will be deployed specifically to help destroy
infected chicken and duck, according to the ministry.
South Korea announced earlier this month the first outbreak of a virulent
bird flu strain. Out of 32 suspected outbreaks, about 20 have tested positive
for the H5 virulent strain of the avian influenza, the news agency said.
Hundreds of thousands of birds have already been destroyed since the first
outbreak of the deadly avian virus was reported early this month.
Health officials fear this year's outbreak may lead to over 2 million birds
being culled and buried in the Gimje area alone in the province.
South Korea was hit by bird flu in the winters of 2003-2004 and 2006-2007,
resulting in considerable loss of property and a sudden drop in demand for
poultry.
Over 5.6 million birds were destroyed in 2003.(end)
mk.wsa
KUNA 161316 Apr 08NNNN