Taiwan Battling Two Bird Flu Virus Types
TAIWAN - Both the H5N2 and H5N8 strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza are still causing problems in Taiwan, with more outbreaks reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) last week.
16 January 2017
2 minute read
By: Four outbreaks of the H5N8 virus were reported in the north, south and centre of the country, affecting over 24,000 birds in all. The of the outbreaks were found in abattoirs, and the source farms for the birds involved are being investigated for any evidence of the avian flu virus. The final outbreak was found on a chicken farm.
Locations of the H5N8 outbreaks in Taiwan
Two outbreaks of the H5N2 form of the virus occurred on a duck farm and a chicken farm in Yunlin County. Over one thousand birds died and another 5353 were destroyed to prevent the virus from spreading.
Thorough cleaning and disinfection has been conducted after the stamping out operation. Surrounding poultry farms within a three-kilometre radius of the infected farms are under intensified surveillance for three months.
