What’s happening:

Last week, two farms in Israel reported outbreaks of the H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The virus was detected on a turkey farm in Magal, close to Netanya, where approximately 40,000 birds are now at risk.

Why it matters:

The spread of H5N1 avian influenza poses significant threats to poultry industries, wildlife, and has potential implications for human health. In response, the Agriculture Ministry has enforced a quarantine, restricting movement within a 10-kilometer radius of the infected site and has begun a monitoring program in the area.

By the numbers:

This season has seen a total of five reported outbreaks of bird flu in Israel, with earlier cases affecting various species including a marbled teal in Yehud and over 200 birds at a petting zoo in Sde Ya’akov. The incidents are part of a larger, ongoing crisis that has been described as the largest-ever bird flu outbreak in Europe, the Americas, and elsewhere.

Big picture:

The Agriculture Ministry is adhering to World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) protocols, urging poultry owners to keep their birds indoors to prevent further spread. This comes as part of a global effort to contain the virus, which has led to the culling of millions of birds worldwide and has impacted the ecological balance.

The response:

In addition to the immediate quarantines, the Agriculture Ministry is calling for increased vigilance among bird owners and is implementing preemptive measures to prevent the outbreak from expanding.

Context:

Since 2021, H5N1 has ravaged bird populations across several continents, affecting both wild and domesticated species. The ongoing outbreak highlights the need for robust animal health monitoring systems and rapid response strategies to protect both animal and human health.

This story was first published on jpost.com.