The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Friday that Hungary has reported its first outbreak this season of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu at a farm, as Europe faces a rapid rise in the spread of the deadly disease.

The spread of avian influenza has alarmed governments and the poultry industry after it led to the culling of vast numbers of birds worldwide in recent years. It has also caused disruptions in supply chains, higher food prices, and an increased risk of human infection.
Hungary has been particularly affected by the virus during the 2024–2025 season, with official data showing that more than half of all cases recorded in EU poultry farms occurred there — most between late October and May.
According to the Paris-based organisation, citing a report from Hungarian authorities, the virus was detected on Monday in a flock of 19,700 ducks in the town of Szolnok, killing 725 birds. The remaining ducks were culled as a precautionary measure.
Source: www.reuters.com