Avian Influenza Strikes Slovakia as Bird Flu Season Escalates

Slovakia has reported a bird flu outbreak on a poultry farm in Kamarno, killing 200 birds. The outbreak involves the H5N1 virus, and over 40,000 additional birds were culled as a precaution. Nearby Hungary has also seen a resurgence of the virus recently, signaling a wider European trend.

A recent outbreak of avian influenza has been reported in Slovakia, specifically affecting a poultry farm in the town of Kamarno, as indicated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on Tuesday. This development comes amid a broader seasonal upturn in the spread of the disease across Europe.

The H5N1 strain of the virus was responsible for the deaths of 200 birds at the location, prompting authorities to cull the remaining 40,260 birds in the flock to prevent further spread. The details of the outbreak were confirmed by Slovakian authorities and disseminated by the WOAH, based in Paris.

In recent weeks, Hungary has also seen a return of the H5N1 virus, underscoring the seasonal resurgence of avian influenza across the region. Farmers and health officials are urged to remain vigilant as efforts to control the disease continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)