Europe's Battle Against Bird Flu: A Surge in Avian Outbreaks

Belgium mandates indoor confinement for poultry following a bird flu outbreak, echoing similar measures in France and the Netherlands. The H5N1 strain killed hundreds of birds in Belgium and Slovakia, intensifying concerns over the disease's impact on poultry supply, food prices, and potential pandemic risks.

Belgium has enforced a directive requiring all poultry to remain indoors, effective Thursday, as the country confronts a bird flu outbreak. This move by the federal food safety agency comes amid a pronounced resurgence of the disease across Europe.

The rapid spread of bird flu has become a critical concern for governments and the poultry industry. The virus has resulted in the death or culling of millions of birds in recent years, contributing to supply chain disruptions, escalating food prices, and elevating fears of a potential new pandemic.

In a similar response, France and the Netherlands have taken proactive measures to contain the virus within their borders. The World Organisation for Animal Health reported a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak on a Belgian turkey farm, leading to significant bird fatalities. Slovakia has also reported cases, further highlighting the virus's quick spread across Europe.

(With inputs from agencies.)