In the first of three reports from the Taiwanese veterinary authority to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) dated 28 January, abnormal mortalities were observed in three goose farms in Ping-Tung County between 12 and 22 January. Samples were sent to the National Laboratory (AHRI) for diagnosis; H5N3 subtype HPAI was confirmed by AHRI on these farms and the H5N2 subtype HPAI virus was also detected on two farms.

In total, 11,200 geese were affected; 4311 died and 589 were destroyed.

A second report outlines outbreaks at 86 poultry farms in Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City and Pingtung County between 18 and 22 January. On these farms, mostly in geese but also in native chickens, the H5N2 subtype HPAI was confirmed by AHRI.

Approximately 639,304 birds were affected by these outbreaks. Of these, 102,260 died and 101,220 were slaughtered.

The third report covers 108 outbreaks cause by the H5N8 virus variant starting between 12 and 22 January.

Abnormal mortalities were observed in 108 waterfowl farms in Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County over this period. Samples were sent to the AHRI for diagnosis. H5N8 subtype HPAI was confirmed but the H5N2 subtype was also detected on 52 farms.

In these 108 outbreaks, 56,178 birds showed symptoms and 56,075 died out of the total of 365,591. Just over 92,203 were slaughtered.