Korean health authorities and stock farmers are stepping up efforts to block a new strain of deadly bird flu originated from China as it shows sign of spreading. So far, there have been no reports of infections or deaths in Korea from the fatal H7N9 virus that has killed nine people in China.

Municipalities located close to China in particular have been on high alert for the possible spread of the virus. Regional offices including South and North Jeolla provinces and North Gyeonsang Province have raised the level of contamination control and taken various preventive measures against the virus, according to officials.

They have decided to extend the operation of emergency situation units until May and conduct quarantine activities at places near habitats for migratory birds.

South Jeolla Province said it operates fumigator trucks every day in different places while Ulsan city is testing bird excrement found near Taehwa River, a known habitat for rooks. Signs for quarantine tests and measures have been posted at places famous for observing migratory birds, officials added.

Authorities are conducting quarantine activities at local markets that trade in poultry. Farmers are also tightening quarantine measures as they have suffered from a series of bird flu outbreaks for the last 10 years. To prevent the spread of the disease with different types of strains, quarantine officials slaughtered thousands of poultry at livestock farms near outbreak sites.

Quarantine inspections have also been tightened at international air and sea ports.

Jeju self-governing office has requested travelers not visit poultry farms on the island, a major tourist destination for Chinese travelers.

A number of quarantine inspectors have been placed at Incheon International Passenger Terminal and international airports nationwide to monitor travelers who show symptoms of bird flu.

The related ministries have also started to send warning messages to passengers planning trips to countries under high alert for the virus.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry refuted reports by some Chinese media that claimed the H7N9 virus allegedly originated from wild birds that migrated from Korea to China.

“It is hard to see that the new bird flu strain has any connection with our country,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said that the virus is likely to have come from China as its “H7” gene resembles the H7 virus found at a livestock farm in Zhejiang, eastern part of the country.

“The virus with gene H7 type is commonly found in wild birds living in China, Mongolia and Japan. Chinese media may have made a wild speculation,” it added.

The agriculture and health ministries have agreed to exchange senior-level officials to enhance preventive measures against the fatal virus. The Health Ministry handles human infection from contagious viruses while the Agriculture Ministry is responsible for viruses transmitted to animals.

Korea has been AI free since 2011. The country has suffered from bird flu four times since 2003. Nearly 25 million chickens and ducks were slaughtered causing financial damage worth 300 billion won ($270 million).

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)