South Korea: Bird flu quarantines increase

SEOUL, April 13 (UPI) -- Quarantines increased in South Korea Sunday amid reports of more suspected bird flu cases, officials said.

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced Sunday that a potential outbreak was found in Muan, South Jeolla province, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

The ministry said the Muan outbreak is the 29th suspected H5 type bird flu case this year.

The first case of bird flu in 2008 was confirmed in Jeongeup in North Jeolla province, about 45 miles north of Muan. Officials said four suspected cases were discovered Saturday.

Quarantines and restrictions have increased in the transport of birds, humans and vehicles in Yeongam, Naju, Gimje, Jeoneup and Muan, officials said. South Jeolla authorities issued a province-wide alert to prevent furthering the outbreak.

South Korea has experienced bird flu outbreaks twice before, once in 2003-2004 and another time in 2005-2006.