Iraq confirms deadly H5N1 bird flu outbreak
Virus kills 12,000 poultry in northern Bashiqa region
15 October 2025
1 minute read
By: Iraq has reported an outbreak of severe bird flu among poultry in the north of the country, Reuters reported, citing the World Organisation for Animal Health on Tuesday.
The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, was detected among flocks in the town of Bashiqa and had killed 12,000 birds, Paris-based WOAH said, citing a report from Iraqi authorities. Neighbouring Iran also declared an outbreak of H5N1 bird flu this month.
