In Denmark, a significant outbreak of bird flu has led to the decision to cull a flock of 115,000 hens located near Herlufmagle, north of Næstved. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration announced this move in a press release, emphasizing that the action is necessary to mitigate the risk of transmission to other birds and to protect animal welfare. The culling, which will start on Saturday, is being conducted in collaboration with the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

Henriette M. Hansen, a section leader at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, highlighted the severe levels of bird flu among wild birds in Denmark this season, explaining that it affects both large and small flocks. Just days prior, 800 pheasants from a smaller flock had to be culled, indicating a growing concern about the disease's spread. The culling operation marks a significant escalation in the response to the outbreak and reflects ongoing efforts to contain the situation.

In response to the outbreak, the administration has established a protection zone with a three-kilometer radius around the affected flock, along with a monitoring zone extending ten kilometers. This strategic action is designed to closely monitor the region for any further spread of the disease and to safeguard nearby avian populations. The situation underscores the challenges posed by infectious diseases in livestock and wildlife, and the urgent need for effective management strategies.