SKorea steps up fight against worst bird flu outbreak

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

SEOUL (AFP) — South Korea is to disinfect all poultry farms nationwide to combat its worst outbreak of bird flu, the agriculture ministry said Tuesday.

In the capital Seoul, all 15,000 chickens, ducks and other fowl -- including pet birds in school aviaries -- have been culled after a second case of the potentially deadly H5N1 virus was confirmed there.

Nationwide, more than 6.8 million chickens and ducks have been slaughtered since the latest outbreak began around April 1. But the ministry has reported 40 cases of bird flu at 31 places nationwide.

An association of poultry breeders estimated losses at 500 billion won (478 million dollars).

The agriculture ministry said it would restrict the distribution and sale of live poultry for human...