This report might be clearer:
DEC 13, 2003
S. Korea tests poultry farm for bird flu
Up to 19,000 birds have died, and a highly contagious flu that can be deadly to humans is suspected
SEOUL - South Korean veterinary experts are carrying out tests on chickens at a farm near Seoul for suspected cases of a highly contagious type of bird flu that can, in the case of certain strains, be deadly to humans.
The Agriculture Ministry said in a statement yesterday that the results of final tests would be released next week.
If its suspicions are confirmed, it would be the first cases of highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza in South Korea.
'The National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service test showed suspected cases of avian influenza in chickens,' the statement said.
'According to the quarantine experts, it is highly possible for this case to be highly pathogenic influenza.'
As a precautionary measure, the authorities have destroyed all the remaining 5,000 chickens at the affected farm, which is about 80km south-east of Seoul, according to the statement.
Between Dec 5 and 11, some 19,000 chickens had died out of a total of 24,000 birds, it added.
'It is too early to say it is HP avian influenza, but if it is, it would be Korea's first case,' an official at the ministry said.
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/storyprintfriendly/0,1887,225143,00.html?This is a little too close to our military in South Korea for comfort if it gets bad.
k,thanks for the ping. :)