Jerusalem, 5 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture confirmed H5N1 bird flu in a flock of around 2,000 breeding ducks in Moshav Sde Yaakov in northern Israel following unusual mortality among the birds — the first commercial poultry outbreak of the 2025–2026 season.

A 10-kilometer quarantine zone has been imposed around the farm, restricting poultry movements and enforcing strict biosafety measures. The ministry urges owners of backyard, ornamental, and free-range birds to keep them indoors and advises the public to consume only properly labeled and thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs.

Last year, 16 outbreaks were recorded across Israel.

Pesach Benson

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