WattAgNet: New avian flu cases in Taiwan, China, Nepal and Nigeria

Taiwan authorities hail poultry movement ban a success

With no new outbreaks of HPAI in poultry caused by the H5N6 virus since February 19, the Council of Agriculture (COA) has announced an earlier seven-day ban on poultry transportation and slaughter a success, reports Focus Taiwan. The number of outbreaks in Taiwan involving this virus remains at 11.

According to the COA, a total of 77 poultry farms have tested positive for HPAI this year, and almost 588,000 birds have been culled to halt the spread of infection.

Of these outbreaks, the H5N2 virus has been detected at 66 locations, which is an increase of 18 over the past week. The most recent cases have been confirmed on four duck farms in Yilan county, and more than 27,000 birds have been culled, reports Focus Taiwan.

In its latest report to the OIE, the COA has outlined 11 HPAI outbreaks caused by the H5N2 virus starting between January 13 and February 17. More than 115,000 poultry – including chickens, native chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese – died or were destroyed after the virus was confirmed.

COA also informed OIE about eight outbreaks of HPAI caused by the H5N6 virus and starting in the second week of February. More than 12,000 poultry – chickens, ducks and geese – died or were destroyed as a result of…