January 27, 2021

The Czech Republic shut down poultry markets and banned outside flocks over bird flu

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture shut down poultry markets and exhibitions, as well as banned famers from keeping birds outside after more bird flu cases were confirmed south of the country, Reuters reported.

H5N8 avian influenza was detected among seven wild ducks and swans near Ceske Budejovice city, Pisek district, south of Prague. This new discovery adds to the previous report of bird flu among wild swans and one domestic poultry flock confirmed in the past week.

The ministry has also imposed limits on poultry movement and selling birds from registered major farms to smaller farms.

The ministry urged all farmers to ensure that their birds do not come into contact with wild birds.

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