Seven new outbreaks of avian influenza in Poland - more than 500 000 birds destroyed

Poland's top veterinary authority has reported seven new outbreaks of avian influenza in Poland, local media report. More than half a million poultry have been destroyed as a result of the new outbreaks.

This year, 78 outbreaks have already been confirmed in commercial poultry farms in Poland and 17 outbreaks in small farms where birds are kept for their own use.

Polish poultry farmers are facing tough times ahead, local authorities warn, as bird flu will lead to even stricter restrictions on farms.

Total number of poultry in hotspots  – over 6.5 million birds.

Bird flu in farms deepens egg market crisis

Poland is one of the largest egg producers in the EU – it produces around 10 billion eggs a year.

Even 75% of eggs from caged hens come from cages, which, according to local agricultural policymakers, ensures that there will be no shortage of eggs even in the event of a major outbreak of avian influenza.