First bird flu case this winter identified in duck flock in Jezreel Valley

The first confirmed case of bird flu this winter has been detected in a flock of ducks in a commercial poultry farm in the moshav of Sde Yaakov, in the Jezreel Valley region, the Agriculture Ministry says in a statement.

The ministry’s veterinary services have declared a quarantine zone with a 10-kilometer radius around the affected area.

Avian influenza of the H5N1 strain was diagnosed in a breeding duck flock following unusual mortality among ducks at the commercial poultry farm, which includes approximately 2,000 ducks aged 41 weeks, according to the statement.

During the previous flu season in 2024–2025, the ministry handled 16 bird flu outbreak sites.

In order to prevent the spread of the disease, the Agriculture Ministry says it is acting in accordance with procedures recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health regarding avian influenza control. In addition to the quarantine zone, the restocking of poultry houses is prohibited, and strict biosecurity measures are required for those working in the sector. The ministry says it is monitoring all poultry farms in the area.

The ministry also calls on owners of ornamental birds, backyard poultry, and free-range poultry farms to keep their birds indoors and prevent roaming in open areas in order to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds during the migration season.

The ministry calls on the public to only consume meat, poultry and eggs purchased from regulated sales and marketing points, and to thoroughly cook them to prevent health risks.