Over 27,000 hens culled in Changhua amid H5N1 detection

Taipei, Dec. 27 (CNA) Authorities in Changhua County on Saturday completed the culling of 27,347 laying hens at a local poultry farm after some of the birds were confirmed as having been infected with the H5N1 virus on Thursday, according to a press release.

Test results from laying hens that died of an unknown cause at a farm, reported to authorities on Tuesday, came back positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) on Thursday, the Changhua County Animal Disease Control Center said.

Disease prevention personnel completed culling, clearing and disinfection operations at the farm in the county's Fangyuan Township on Saturday, the release said.

The case was reported by the farm on its own initiative, with failure to report infections punishable by a fine of NT$50,000 to NT$1 million (US$1,592 to US$31,852), according to the release.

The Animal Disease Control Center warned that cold weather and peak migratory bird activity are increasing the risk of avian flu infection, urging poultry farms to enhance warmth, ventilation, biosecurity and bird-proofing measures.