The outbreak of bird flu in Taiwan has spread to Hsinchu County. That’s the word from agriculture official Chang Su-san on Monday.
Chang said the northern county is the latest area where poultry has been found containing the H5 strains of bird flu. Other counties where the virus has been discovered include: Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan and Pingtung.
So far, the government has culled more than 1.1 million geese, ducks and chickens in an effort to contain the epidemic.
Chang said the council has halted the slaughter of poultry until Wednesday at noon. A health inspection will be required for slaughtering after that time.
Authorities are also installing quarantine checkpoints in the five hardest-hit counties, and enforcing disinfecting measures.
Chang said the Council of Agriculture has already offered assistance to affected counties and is lending a helping hand in other ways too, including providing protective gear.