H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak Detected in Israel’s Kfar Vitkin: 19,000 Turkeys Affected

Authorities Implement Quarantine and Biosafety Measures to Prevent Spread Amid Avian Influenza Outbreak

Jerusalem [Israel], December 30: An outbreak of H5N1 bird flu has been detected in a turkey fattening coop in Moshav Kfar Vitkin, near Netanya, Israel. The outbreak was confirmed across six poultry coops, affecting approximately 19,000 turkeys aged 12 weeks, raising concerns about the virus’s potential spread.

Preventive Measures in Place

To contain the outbreak, Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has implemented strict measures in line with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines. A 10-km quarantine zone has been established around the infected area, restricting poultry movements and enforcing enhanced biosafety protocols for poultry farmers and industry workers.

The Ministry’s veterinary services are conducting active monitoring of all poultry coops in the area to identify and control any further outbreaks swiftly.

Advisory for Poultry Breeders and Consumers

The Ministry of Agriculture has urged ornamental bird breeders, backyard poultry owners, and free-range farmers to keep their birds indoors and prevent exposure to wild migratory birds, which are known carriers of the virus.

Consumers have been advised to purchase meat, poultry, and eggs only from authorized and organized points of sale. Eggs should be properly labeled, packaged, and thoroughly cooked, baked, or fried before consumption to eliminate any health risks.

Public Reassurance

The Ministry emphasized that properly handled and cooked poultry products remain safe for consumption and urged the public to follow safety recommendations diligently.

This marks the sixth detection of avian influenza in the region this season, highlighting the urgent need for continued vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols by poultry farmers and the public alike.