Belgium Confronts Bird Flu Outbreak Amidst European Surge

Belgian authorities have confirmed a bird flu outbreak at a turkey farm in the country's northern region, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This development comes as Europe experiences a seasonal rise in this highly contagious disease.

The outbreak involves the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, resulting in the death of 319 birds, with the remaining 67,110-strong flock being culled, as per a statement from the Paris-based WOAH citing Belgian sources.

The spread of bird flu continues to pose challenges for governments and the poultry industry, having caused the deaths or culling of hundreds of millions of birds. This not only disrupts poultry supply chains but also contributes to higher food prices and potential pandemic threats.