H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus has been detected in a wild cat found dead in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. This marks the second confirmed case of infection in wild mammals in South Korea, following the first detection in a wild cat in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do, in March of last year.
The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reported that the dead wild cat was discovered near Ganwolho in Buseok-myeon, Seosan, on October 23, following a visitor's report. The National Wildlife Disease Control Institute conducted a detailed examination and confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic AI on November 2. This is the first detection of highly pathogenic AI in wild mammals this winter.
The wild cat is classified as an endangered species (Level II) and primarily feeds on rodents and birds. Authorities plan to analyze the virus's genetic characteristics and origins to assess the potential for further infections among surrounding wildlife.
Upon detection, the Ministry of Environment immediately shared the situation with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Disease Control Agency. Special surveillance measures, including searches for dead wild mammals and on-site investigations, are being conducted within a 10-kilometer radius of the detection site. Local governments, including Seosan City, have been requested to implement emergency disinfection and access control measures.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has initiated monitoring and testing to prevent the virus from entering local poultry farms. They are enforcing cleaning and disinfection protocols for farms and related facilities, as well as restricting access to prevent the entry of wild animals and external personnel.
Health checks for individuals who may have come into contact with the infected wild cat are also underway. The Korea Disease Control Agency and South Chungcheong Province are monitoring the health status of responders, including the person who discovered the cat and staff at the rescue center, considering a 10-day incubation period. So far, there have been no reported symptoms.
The National Wildlife Disease Control Institute has been investigating the AI infection status in carnivorous and omnivorous wild mammals through reports from wildlife rescue centers and monitoring of major migratory bird habitats. A total of 245 samples from wild mammals were tested from January to October this year.
Authorities urge the public to refrain from touching or moving any dead wildlife or animals exhibiting abnormal behavior and to report such findings to local governments. Visits to wildlife habitats, such as migratory bird sites, should be minimized, and when visiting, individuals should avoid contact with wild animals and their droppings or bodily fluids. After visiting, it is important to follow personal hygiene practices, including disinfecting shoes and vehicles and washing hands, while avoiding entry into livestock farms.
Lee Chae-eun, director of the Ministry of Environment's Nature Conservation Bureau, stated, "As highly pathogenic AI has been confirmed in wild cats again this year, we will strengthen monitoring and testing to closely investigate the potential for further infections in wildlife. If anyone discovers a dead wild animal, please do not touch it and report it immediately."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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