So far, no human cases of the flu have been reported, but dead birds who had caught the flu were found in the former Jewish community of Netzarim, now controlled by the PA. Dead birds were also found in Rafiah – the southern Gaza town known for its weapons smuggling tunnels.
Tests were also positive for the H5N1 strain of the flu in Moshav Bekaot, in the Jordan Valley, and dead birds were found in the central Israel town of Netaim as well, though test results are pending. Cases have not yet been found in the neighboring Beit Shean Valley, which is home to most of Israel’s chicken coops.
The Arab village of Ouja near Jericho has also reported dead birds, which are now being tested. Jordan has gone on high alert for cases of the flu as well.
Communities in southern Israel are extremely concerned about the discovery of bird flu in Gaza. Many are worried that the PA will not be willing or able to take the necessary steps to quarrantine infected birds to prevent the spread and strengthening of the disease.
People are being offered 2,000 shekels a day to kill chickens in the Sharon region because there are not enough people willing to do the job, which involves denying the birds food and drink, and then offering them poisoned water. The work will be available for a seven-day period. People who are experienced in working with animals are preferred, and all those who apply are required to sign a document that says they will not hold the employer responsible if they catch the flu.
Meanwhile, the bird flu has caused sales of poultry products to plummet. Supermarkets, stocking up for the upcoming Passover holiday, have reported a rise in demand of fish products – particularly the quintessential Ashkenazi fish-balls called gefilte fish.
Health Minister Yaakov Edri will be meeting on Sunday with Chief Rabbis Shlomo Amar and Yona Metzger, along with experts representing the Chief Rabbinate, Health Ministry and Agriculture Ministry, to discuss the ramifications of the bird flu epidemic. The rabbis hope to obtain a clear picture of the current situation and to permit preparations for Passover to move ahead in an organized fashion with coordination between relevant government agencies.
Click here to hear an interview with Dr. Shimon Perk, Director of Avian Diseases in the Agriculture ministry, on IsraelNationalRadio.com's Yishai and Malkah Fleisher Show.
Tests were also positive for the H5N1 strain of the flu in Moshav Bekaot, in the Jordan Valley, and dead birds were found in the central Israel town of Netaim as well, though test results are pending. Cases have not yet been found in the neighboring Beit Shean Valley, which is home to most of Israel’s chicken coops.
The Arab village of Ouja near Jericho has also reported dead birds, which are now being tested. Jordan has gone on high alert for cases of the flu as well.
Communities in southern Israel are extremely concerned about the discovery of bird flu in Gaza. Many are worried that the PA will not be willing or able to take the necessary steps to quarrantine infected birds to prevent the spread and strengthening of the disease.
People are being offered 2,000 shekels a day to kill chickens in the Sharon region because there are not enough people willing to do the job, which involves denying the birds food and drink, and then offering them poisoned water. The work will be available for a seven-day period. People who are experienced in working with animals are preferred, and all those who apply are required to sign a document that says they will not hold the employer responsible if they catch the flu.
Meanwhile, the bird flu has caused sales of poultry products to plummet. Supermarkets, stocking up for the upcoming Passover holiday, have reported a rise in demand of fish products – particularly the quintessential Ashkenazi fish-balls called gefilte fish.
Health Minister Yaakov Edri will be meeting on Sunday with Chief Rabbis Shlomo Amar and Yona Metzger, along with experts representing the Chief Rabbinate, Health Ministry and Agriculture Ministry, to discuss the ramifications of the bird flu epidemic. The rabbis hope to obtain a clear picture of the current situation and to permit preparations for Passover to move ahead in an organized fashion with coordination between relevant government agencies.
Click here to hear an interview with Dr. Shimon Perk, Director of Avian Diseases in the Agriculture ministry, on IsraelNationalRadio.com's Yishai and Malkah Fleisher Show.