Multiple countries confirm new cases of bird flu
Authorities are imposing containment measures as governments monitor risks to food supply and public health.
WORLD – India has confirmed a fresh series of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in the southern state of Kerala, according to a notification issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health on Monday.
The Paris-based animal health body said Indian authorities recorded 11 separate outbreaks on poultry farms last month, marking the first reported cases among domestic birds in the country since May.
According to the official report, the virus killed 54,100 birds, most of them ducks, while an additional 30,289 birds were destroyed to prevent further spread.
The outbreaks were first detected on December 9 and laboratory confirmation was completed by December 22, signalling a rapid escalation within affected farms.
These cases add to ongoing global concern about avian influenza, which has damaged poultry production worldwide, disrupted supply chains, and contributed to rising food costs.
Health officials also continue to monitor the virus because of its capacity, under certain conditions, to infect humans following close contact with infected birds.
New cases reported in Israel
Meanwhile, Israel has reported its first highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreak in a year after authorities identified the virus on a duck farm in the country’s north.
The WOAH said the outbreak occurred in the village of Sde Yaakov, where 90 birds died within a flock of about 2,000 ducks.
Veterinary authorities ordered the culling of the remaining birds at the site as a precautionary measure to contain the infection.
Europe steps up preventive measures
These developments follow earlier reports from Europe, where Spain announced compulsory indoor housing for poultry in high-risk regions starting November 10.
Spain’s agriculture ministry said the move was designed to reduce contact between domestic poultry and wild birds after rising infections across the continent.
Under the rules, outdoor rearing is prohibited, shared water sources with wild birds are banned, and ducks and geese must be kept separate from other poultry species.
Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom have introduced similar restrictions in recent weeks as migratory birds return to Europe for winter.
Outbreak confirmed in the United States
In the United States, officials in Georgia are responding to an outbreak at a commercial poultry farm after 140,000 broiler chickens tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.
State authorities said this is the third confirmed case at a commercial facility in Georgia this year.
The farm reported unusual illness on October 19, triggering testing and a rapid response from state laboratories the following day.
Emergency teams were deployed to euthanise infected birds, dispose of carcasses, and disinfect the premises.
All commercial poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius have been placed under quarantine, with mandatory surveillance testing set to continue for at least two weeks.
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