TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Yunlin County authorities culled 5,267 ducks on Monday (Dec. 15) after detecting H5N1 avian influenza at a Yuanchang Township (元長鄉) duck farm. The Yunlin County Animal Disease Control Center (雲林縣動植物防疫所) announced the outbreak Tuesday (Dec. 16), marking the county's first avian flu case this season. Officials placed 16 nearby poultry farms under surveillance within a 1-kilometer (0.62-mile) radius to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
Health officials first detected the H5N1 outbreak on Sunday at the Yuanchang Township duck farm. Liao Pei-chih (廖培志), the center's director, said the infected ducks showed no abnormal symptoms during routine monitoring, which the center conducts 270 times annually across the county. Since January, Yunlin County has confirmed eight avian flu cases, culling affected flocks each time to prevent wider spread of the disease.
The culled ducks were 16 weeks old, and authorities supervised the farm's thorough cleaning and disinfection operations following standard containment protocol. Liao urged enhanced disinfection efforts in high-risk areas and migratory bird habitats to prevent further outbreaks. The 16 nearby farms placed under surveillance will undergo continued monitoring as officials work to contain the disease within the affected area.
The center urged poultry farmers to remain vigilant and implement stringent access controls at all facilities. Officials also advised enhancing cleaning and disinfection procedures for all personnel and vehicles entering farm premises. These biosecurity measures aim to prevent industry-wide losses from the disease, which poses significant risks to Taiwan's poultry sector. ◼