Israel has reported its 14th case of bird flu this season, with H5N1 diagnosed in a flock of turkeys in Nahalal, Jezreel Valley. The outbreak caused the deaths of 24,000 turkeys, aged 16 weeks, across five poultry houses. Laboratory tests by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security confirmed the infection.
Previous Outbreaks and Containment Measures
Another bird flu case was identified in Nahalal just last week, with an earlier case reported in September 2024. To prevent further spread, the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing measures recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), including:
- Establishing a 10 km quarantine zone around infected areas.
- Restricting poultry movement and population in the quarantine zone.
- Enforcing strict biosecurity protocols for industry personnel.
Active monitoring of poultry farms in the region continues to ensure early detection of new cases.
Precautionary Advice for Bird Owners
The Ministry of Agriculture advises poultry breeders, free-range farmers, and ornamental bird owners to:
- Keep birds indoors to minimize exposure to wild birds.
- Limit free-range activities, especially during migration seasons.
- Maintain high biosecurity standards to prevent infection.
Global Context and Risk Mitigation
The recurrence of H5N1 in Israel aligns with seasonal migration patterns of wild birds, a known vector for spreading avian flu. Farmers and bird owners are urged to remain vigilant and follow all recommended guidelines to mitigate risks.
