The Seoul Metropolitan Government temporarily closed Seoul Grand Park after some birds at the zoo tested positive for avian influenza(AI).
 
The Seoul government announced on Monday that tests on two dead storks found that the birds were infected with the H5 infection. Five endangered mandarin ducks that were raised with the storks also tested positive for the virus.
 
As a preventive step, eight mandarin ducks, which are designated national natural monuments, were culled on Sunday night.
 
City authorities closed the park as well as Children's Grand Park last Saturday after the two storks were found dead.
 
Fecal samples of 18 birds that were raised in the vicinity were sent to the Seoul government’s health and environment research institute for tests.
 
Authorities say the latest case marks the first AI infection to occur within Seoul Grand Park, adding the park will remain closed until the site is completely cleared of bird flu.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, over 19 million poultry have been or will be culled since the latest outbreak began on November 16th.