ISTANBUL

South Korean authorities on Saturday confirmed that the number of bird flu cases in the country has risen to 46 so far this season, as new infections were reported at poultry farms in central regions.

The latest cases were identified at farms near the cities of Cheongju and Asan, located in North Chungcheong and South Chungcheong provinces, respectively, according to the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.

In response, disease control teams were dispatched to the affected farms to conduct culling operations and initiate comprehensive epidemiological investigations aimed at preventing further spread of the virus.

Officials also said that proactive inspections are underway at poultry farms across the country to detect new cases early and implement swift containment measures.