Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety has reported a new outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza in Kibbutz Tzora, located in the Judea region. The virus was detected in a fattening turkey coop after unusual mortality was observed in three pre-market turkey coops at 9.4 weeks of age. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the virus, marking the 13th case in commercial poultry farms during the 2024-2025 flu season.
Quarantine and Biosecurity Measures
To prevent the spread of the disease, the Ministry has implemented quarantine measures in line with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines. A 10-kilometer quarantine zone has been established around the affected poultry houses. Within this zone:
- Poultry movement is restricted.
- Stocking of poultry houses is prohibited.
- Strict biosecurity protocols must be followed by industry workers.
Veterinary services are conducting active monitoring of all poultry facilities in the area to identify potential further cases.
Advice for Poultry Breeders
The Ministry has advised poultry and ornamental bird breeders to:
- Keep birds indoors to avoid exposure to wild birds, especially during the migration season.
- Implement enhanced safety measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Flu Season Impact
This flu season has already seen 13 outbreaks of avian flu in Israel’s commercial chicken and turkey farms. The Ministry continues its efforts to control the disease and minimize its impact on the poultry industry.
Conclusion
The avian flu outbreak in Kibbutz Tzora highlights the importance of stringent biosecurity measures to protect the poultry sector. Authorities are working diligently to contain the spread and ensure food safety while monitoring the region for additional cases.
