Culling of 18,000 poultry due to Avian Influenza begins in Nalžovské Hory

In Nalžovské Hory, located in the Klatovy region, the culling of approximately 18,000 ducks, partridges, and pheasants at the Klatovy Fishery farm began today. This follows the confirmation of a highly pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak on Friday, which has already resulted in the deaths of around 4,500 birds, primarily domestic ducks.

All remaining live birds—13,500 in total—must be culled. According to Marek Svoboda, head of the animal welfare department at the Regional Veterinary Administration for the Pilsen Region (KVS), the operation, initially planned to take two days, could be completed by this evening if no complications arise due to extensive preparation.

The operation involves 16 farm workers handling the culling, 18 firefighters—three working directly in the infection zone and the remainder serving as support staff—and three state veterinarians.