September 22, 2020

Kazakhstan officials say bird flu outbreak in the country is from Russia

Kazakhstan officials said the recent bird flu outbreak north of the country is the H5N8 virus strain, the same strain recorded in Russia, Reuters reported.

Several bird flu outbreaks were reported in backyards and villages in north Kazakhstan bordering Russia, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Gulmira Isayeva, Kazakhstan Deputy Agriculture Minister said the bird flu outbreaks were confirmed to be the H5N8 virus strain, most likely brought over by wild birds across the border.

She said the country has quarantined affected areas ins several provinces, with plans to conduct mass vaccination of poultry in the area and compensate affected farmers. Tens of thousands of birds have died due to the virus in Kazakhstan.

-      Reuters