In recent weeks, reports have surfaced regarding bird flu affecting additional areas worldwide, indicating a global phenomenon rather than a local one. The H5N1 strain of avian influenza was discovered in a heavy breeding farm located in the Ta'anach region within the Gilboa Regional Council.
The disease was identified in a farm containing four poultry houses, housing approximately 34,000 birds from the heavy breeding stock (breeding flocks for broilers). The quarantine area has been defined within a radius of up to 10 kilometers from the infected farm. The veterinary services of the Ministry of Agriculture continue to conduct active monitoring across all poultry houses in the region. To prevent the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture is operating in accordance with the international protocols of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) regarding avian influenza management.
The Ministry of Agriculture urges breeders of ornamental birds and backyard poultry, as well as free-range farms, to keep their birds indoors and to prevent them from wandering in open spaces, thereby reducing the risk of infection from wild birds during migration season.
It is worth noting that two weeks ago, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security identified an outbreak of bird flu in northern Israel, in Moshav Nahalal. The ministry has since completed its response to this outbreak.
The outbreaks in Israel coincide with recent reports of avian influenza detection in additional regions worldwide, including France, Germany, Poland, and various states in the U.S., marking it as a global issue rather than a local one. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security emphasizes that consumers should only purchase meat, poultry, and eggs from regulated sales points. Eggs must be labeled and packaged in cartons or plastic on all sides. Additionally, eggs and poultry should only be consumed after being thoroughly cooked, baked, or fried to prevent health risks.