January 27, 2021

H5N8 outbreak reported in central part of Italy

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said Italy has confirmed an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N8 bird flu among backyard farms at the centre of the country in Lugo, Ravenna province, Reuters reported.

The OIE said the virus was confirmed among two backyard hobby grey crowned cranes, referring to a report submitted by the Italian Ministry of Health.

12 birds that were kept in a private garden at Lugo were culled and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Europe has seen a rising number of bird flu cases over the past several weeks, putting the region's poultry industry on high alert. Previous bird flu outbreaks have resulted in tens of millions of birds culled.

- Reuters