Israel reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on a farm in the north of the country, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Tuesday.
The outbreak, the first in a year in Israel, was detected in a flock of 2,000 ducks in the village of Sde Yaakov, causing the death of 90 birds, the Paris-based WOAH said, citing a report from the Israeli authorities. The remaining birds were subsequently culled as a precaution.
The spread of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has raised concerns among governments and the poultry industry after it ravaged flocks around the world in recent years, disrupting supply, fuelling higher food prices, and raising the risk of human transmission.
This outbreak comes amid a severe flu season in Israel, with many children particularly affected.
Influenza cases rise in Israel
In December 2025, a four-year-old boy from northern Israel died from the flu after being brought to the hospital on a Friday morning. He was pronounced dead after prolonged medical efforts to save him.
According to the Health Ministry, the boy's fatality was the fifth case reported to the ministry in 2025 of a child who died from the disease in Israel.
The flu severely affected the Israeli population due to low vaccination uptake. The Health Ministry reiterated its recommendation that the entire population be vaccinated as soon as possible. It was further emphasized that although the vaccine does not completely prevent influenza, it reduces illness severity in most cases.
The vaccine is available free of charge through health insurance.
As a precaution, the Health Ministry recommended that individuals at risk wear masks in enclosed spaces and at gatherings. In addition, mask-wearing was recommended for medical staff and for visitors to nursing homes and geriatric institutions.
Avihai Chiim contributed to this report.