Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture reported that about 250 cases of Avian Flu was detected in animals in Moshav Sde Ya’akov, located in the Jezreel Valley.
The disease was found in peacocks, ducks, pigeons and ornamental chickens, also known as backyard chickens, which are bred at the moshav.
Tests showed that the strain of Avian Flu detected is H5N1.
The livestock there, as well as the coops within a range of up to 10 km from the one where the flu was detected, have been placed under quarantine.
The Ministry of Agriculture calls on the breeders of ornamental birds and backyard birds as well as free-range chickens, to keep them inside buildings, and to prevent them from wandering in the open, thus reducing the risk of infection from wild birds during the migration season.
Last year, Israel was hit by 11 cases of bird flu.
The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that one must consume chicken meat and eggs purchased only from licensed vendors. The eggs must be marked and packed in cardboard or plastic on all sides. In addition, eggs and chicken should only be consumed after they have been cooked/baked/fried well.