Israel reported 1st bird flu outbreak in a year, global body says

By Reuters 6 January 2026, 10:47 am

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Israel reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on a farm in the north of the country, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) says.

The outbreak, the first in a year in Israel, was detected in a flock of 2,000 ducks in the village of Sde Yaakov, causing the death of 90 birds, the Paris-based WOAH says, citing a report from the Israeli authorities. The remaining birds were subsequently culled as a precaution.

The spread of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has raised concerns among governments and the poultry industry after it ravaged flocks around the world in recent years, disrupting supply, fueling higher food prices and raising the risk of human transmission.