Israel Reports Avian Flu Outbreak in Northern Farm

Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Strain Detected

Israel has reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza at a farm in the northern part of the country. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) disclosed this information on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The outbreak occurred in a flock of 2,000 ducks located in the village of Sde Yaakov, resulting in the death of 90 birds.

Significant Animal Health Incident

This incident marks the first avian flu outbreak in Israel in a year, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease. The WOAH, based in Paris, received the report from Israeli authorities and promptly disseminated the information to the global community. The detection of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain is particularly significant due to its potential impact on both animal and human health.

International Context and Response

The reporting of this outbreak highlights the importance of global surveillance and rapid response systems in managing animal health crises. The WOAH plays a crucial role in coordinating international responses to such incidents, ensuring that member countries are informed and can take appropriate measures to mitigate the spread of the disease.