SEOUL - South Korea confirmed three new cases of bird flu on Sunday as the outbreak that began last month further hits farmers who are also battling the nation's worst-ever outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

The Agriculture Ministry confirmed three new cases of the highly contagious virus at duck farms in the southwestern county of Yeongam, bringing the total number of cases to seven since Dec 31.

At least 396,000 chickens, ducks and other birds have been or will be culled, the Agriculture Ministry said on its website, as the fresh cases were reported after a week-long pause.