Bird flu: Netherlands culls 190,000 ducks Published duration 27 November 2016

image copyright EPA image caption Poultry farmers have been advised to take measures to prevent the disease spreading

About 190,000 ducks have been culled in the Netherlands as the authorities try to prevent the spread of bird flu across northern European countries.

The slaughter involved six farms, following the discovery of a virus in the village of Biddinghuizen, some 70km (43 miles) east of Amsterdam.

Outbreaks of the highly contagious H5N8 strain have been reported in Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Finland.

The Dutch authorities have not said which strain is involved.

Officials said they were checking for bird flu at farms within three kilometres of the original site and imposed a ban on transporting poultry products within a 10km (six mile) radius.

What is bird flu?

Avian influenza - bird flu - is an infectious disease of poultry and wild birds.

The H5N8 strain first appeared in South Korea in early 2014.

The virus later spread to Japan, North America and Europe, causing outbreaks at poultry farms between autumn 2014 and spring 2015.

How is it spread?

Last month, scientists said that monitoring birds on their long distance migrations could provide early warning of bird flu outbreaks.

Researchers said bird flu was carried by migrating birds from Asia to Europe and North America via the Arctic.

Contact with infected wild birds or materials contaminated with their droppings was the most likely route of transmission.

Should we worry?

Most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans.

However, hundreds have been killed by the H5N1 virus, mostly as a result of direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry.

There is no evidence that the disease can be spread to people through properly cooked food.

So far, no human cases of H5N8 infection have been detected.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that human infection with the H5N8 virus cannot be excluded, although the likelihood is low, based on the "limited information" at its disposal.

How should we do?

The WHO advises:

Avoid contact with poultry, wild birds or other animals that are sick or are found dead and report them to the relevant authorities.

Wash hands properly with soap or a suitable disinfectant.

Follow good food safety and good food hygiene practices.