H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza breaks out at Taoyuan Dayuan District livestock farm, 2,500 guinea fowls culled

Epidemic prevention personnel started culling guinea fowl. (Photo provided by Taoyuan City Government)

On the morning of the 23rd, an operator of a livestock farm in Taoyuan City's Dayuan District discovered that the birds had died abnormally. He notified the city's Animal Protection Office and sent samples for examination. On the 24th, the Veterinary Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture informed that the birds were diagnosed with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza. The Agriculture Bureau stated that on the 24th, on-site inspections had been completed. 2,500 guinea fowls were culled and their carcasses were destroyed, as well as the area and external roads were cleared, and people and vehicles were controlled. This case is currently a single confirmed case. In addition to completing relevant epidemic prevention measures, the city government has also continued to conduct surrounding investigations and monitoring. The overall poultry production, sales and supply have not been affected.

Tao City Agriculture Director Chen Guanyi said that after the abnormal death of poultry in the livestock farm was reported, epidemic prevention personnel immediately took samples for inspection, and issued a movement control notice in accordance with the "Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases" to prohibit the removal of poultry and related items from the farm. After the dead poultry was diagnosed with H5N1 on the 24th, epidemic prevention personnel immediately began cleaning, control, and culling operations.

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Officials from the Bureau of Agriculture added that in the clean-up operation, disinfection vehicles were dispatched after the diagnosis was confirmed, and the surrounding roads and external roads of the livestock farm were cleared, and the entry and exit of personnel and vehicles were controlled simultaneously. In the culling operation, about 2,500 guinea fowls were culled in the entire site on the 24th, and the carcasses were sealed by leak-proof seals. A special vehicle will be closed and transported to the chemical processing plant for high-temperature and harmless destruction; in accordance with the central epidemic prevention standard operating procedures, epidemic prevention personnel will subsequently conduct epidemiological investigations and clinical visits to poultry farms within a radius of 1 to 3 kilometers of the livestock farm, and continue to strengthen epidemic monitoring to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Wang Deji, director of the Department of Animal Welfare, said that since 2018, there have been no cases of avian influenza in Taoshi for more than eight years. The city will continue to cooperate with the Animal and Plant Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct active monitoring of livestock farms, and implement measures such as on-site visits, industry promotions, and supply of disinfection materials. Safety; the recent climate change has been drastic, and poultry farmers should continue to implement biosecurity measures in poultry farms. If poultry are found to have died abnormally or their food intake has dropped significantly, they should immediately report it to the Animal Welfare Department. Otherwise, a fine of NT$1 million will be imposed in accordance with the "Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases" and no compensation will be provided for the culled birds.

Epidemic prevention personnel started culling guinea fowl. (Photo provided by Taoyuan City Government)