China, Israel report H5N1 outbreaks in poultry

China and Israel each reported more outbreaks of H5N1 avian flu, affecting about 15,000 and 17,000 domestic birds, respectively, according to reports posted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

In China, the virus hit a flock of 2,349 ornamental birds on a farm in Jiangsu province in the east and a 12,554-bird chicken farm in Guizhou province in the south, health ministry officials reported in a June 19 OIE report. The small flock had 2,149 cases and 1,858 deaths, while the larger farm reported 4,615 cases and 3,800 deaths.

Culled to prevent disease spread

The remainder of both flocks was culled to prevent disease spread. The outbreaks began on June 7 and June 9, respectively. Control measures, including control of wildlife reservoirs and disinfection of the sites, have been put in place.

China has now reported 20 H5N1 outbreaks since October 2014.

Source: CIDRAP