The government on Thursday confirmed an additional highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) case at a duck farm, the latest in a series of infections nationwide.

A highly pathogenic H5N AI strain was found at the farm in the southwestern county of Muan, which raised around 33,000 ducks, according to the agriculture ministry.

The latest outbreak brought the total number of highly pathogenic AI cases at local farms this winter season to 26. The first such case of the season was reported in December after an eight-month hiatus.

Health authorities cordoned off the affected farm and are implementing quarantine measures, including the culling of ducks there.

They also issued a standstill order for 24 hours through 10 a.m. Friday, the ministry said.

Source: Yonhap News Agency