Iraq reports major bird flu outbreak as H5N1 cases rise across Europe
12,000 birds killed in northern Iraq as Denmark and the Netherlands confirm new infections
IRAQ – Iraq has reported a serious outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in the northern town of Bashiqa, where 12,000 poultry have died, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The Paris-based agency said the highly contagious virus was detected among local flocks after authorities noted an unusual spike in bird deaths.
This incident follows a similar report from neighbouring Iran earlier this month, showing the virus is spreading across parts of the Middle East.
In Europe, Denmark has announced plans to cull around 150,000 chickens after confirming the H5N1 virus in a poultry farm located in southeastern Jutland.
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said this is the first confirmed bird flu case in domestic poultry since April, when restrictions imposed in December 2024 were lifted.
Officials added that poultry farmers will again be required to keep birds indoors or under shelter starting December, as infection risks typically rise during colder months.
A related outbreak has also been detected in the Netherlands, where authorities have ordered the culling of 71,000 chickens at a farm in the northern region after confirming bird flu earlier this week.
Dutch officials said this is the country’s first detection of avian influenza since March and that an expert group will soon meet to evaluate the threat and recommend further measures.
Together, these outbreaks mark a wider resurgence of bird flu across Europe as migratory birds return and lower temperatures create conditions for faster viral spread.
Legal Dispute Over Bird Flu Control in Canada
Meanwhile, in Canada, a dispute over a government culling order has drawn national attention after the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the killing of 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) had ordered the cull after two ostriches tested positive for avian flu.
Farm owners Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski challenged the directive, arguing their birds show natural resistance and that the order would destroy years of antibody research.
Their lawyer, Umar Sheikh, said the court’s temporary stay offers short-term relief as the legal proceedings continue.
The CFIA said it will comply with the ruling but maintains that culling is necessary to control disease spread.
Officials also said they are working with police after receiving threats from individuals supporting the farm.
In the United States, previous severe outbreaks have led to the destruction of millions of poultry and driven egg prices in some regions above US$5 per dozen, while Canada continues to report smaller but costly losses in its poultry sector.
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