Over 300,000 birds culled after bird flu outbreaks detected in South Korea, Mexico

The spread of bird flu has raised concerns among governments and the poultry industry after it ravaged flocks around the world in recent years, disrupting supply and fuelling higher food prices.

Mexico reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on a farm in the Yucatan Peninsula, its first outbreak in poultry in more than two years, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said in a report on Friday, citing local authorities.

The H5N1 virus was detected in a flock of 225,860 laying hens in the town of Uman, the Paris-based WOAH said, citing a report from Mexican authorities. All birds were subsequently culled as a precaution.

Virus detected in South Korea

South Korea also reported an outbreak of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu in the northern part of the country, near the border with North Korea, WOAH said. 

The virus was detected in a flock of 90,986 poultry in the town of Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi province, the Paris-based WOAH said, citing a report from the South Korean authorities. All birds were subsequently culled as a precaution.

The spread of 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.