ISTANBUL

South Korea has reported two more cases of “highly pathogenic” avian influenza at poultry farms in central and southwestern regions, raising the total number of cases this season to 26, Yonhap News reported Monday.

The latest infections were confirmed at a duck farm in North Chungcheong province and a chicken farm in Jeolla province, according to South Korea’s Central Disaster Management Headquarters.

Authorities have restricted access to the affected farms, begun culling poultry, and launched investigations into the outbreaks. A temporary suspension of operations at related facilities and farming vehicles has also been introduced in the regions.

H5N1 influenza, commonly known as bird flu, primarily spreads among infected poultry but can occasionally transmit to humans. Symptoms may include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and severe respiratory complications.