Tainan farm hit by H5N1 outbreak, over 10K chickens culled

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A farm in Tainan's Jiali District experienced an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza, causing the termination of over 10,000 chickens on Tuesday (Feb. 20).

The Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office (AHIP) in Tainan City received reports on Feb. 16 and took samples, confirming the infection of approximately 10,000 chickens. Among the culled poultry, 9,866 were Taiwan red-feathered country chickens and 150 chicks.

Disposal was carried out via incineration and rendering to prevent the virus's spread, coupled with a thorough disinfection of the farm. AHIP also inspected and monitored six poultry farms within a 1-kilometer radius and 43 farms between 1 and 3 kilometers of the infected area.

The Tainan City AHIP reiterated their continued surveillance efforts on connected poultry farms and increased dead poultry control measures in rendering plants. Hygiene measures such as vehicle cleaning were also emphasized.

In efforts to curb the flu transmission, the Office had already carried out 1,070 disinfection procedures and urged poultry farmers to adhere to practices. Additionally, farmers were asked to immediately report to AHIP if unusual death patterns were observed among poultry or if other symptoms emerged. Such measures are in place to guide necessary prevention measures aimed at thwarting avian influenza.