Dr. Nati Elkin compiler of PoultryMed has summarized the current status of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Israel. Problems commenced in early October 2021 coincident with movement of migratory waterfowl and other species across the northern area of the Nation en route from Africa to central Europe, following along the Mediterranean coastline. Since October 12th twenty outbreaks have been recorded on commercial farms.
- Twelve involved either growing or breeding turkeys ranging in size from 5,000 to 107,000 birds. A total of 364,000 turkeys have either died of HPAI or have been depleted in an attempt to control the infection.
- Five outbreaks have occurred on egg producing farms ranging in size from 4,000 to 600,000 with a total of 649,000 mature laying hens depleted.
- One broiler farm and one broiler breeder farm with a total 66,000 birds were disposed of
- A single farm with 18,000 ducks was depleted.
- Approximately 7,000 cranes (Grus grus) have died in the Hula Nature Reserve, a wetland in close proximity to the largest outbreak in laying hens.
Dr. Elkin reported that in previous epornitics occurring in 2006 and in 2015 only ten outbreaks on commercial farms were recorded, mostly in turkey growing units.
The extensive mortality among turkeys and laying hens will require importation of products to substitute for lost production. The outbreak is of significance to agriculture in Israel and has received the close attention of the Prime Minister and the cabinet.