Thousands Of Cranes Dead In Israel Bird Flu Outbreak: 'Worst Blow To Wildlife'

More than 5,000 cranes have died while poultry birds are also being culled as a result of an ongoing avian flu outbreak in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with national security officers and experts Monday to discuss the outbreak, the Prime Minister's Office noted in a press release. During the meeting, the prime minister was updated on the situation as well as the efforts being done to stop the spread of the disease and prevent it from spreading to humans.

So far, there is "no information" about human infection in connection with the outbreak. Those who have had contact with infected fowl are already receiving preventative treatment, the office said. Authorities have declared a well-known nature reserve to be "off-limits" to visitors, and also warned of a possible egg shortage due to the mass culling of poultry, which is being done as a precaution, reported Reuters.

"Prime Minister Bennett has instructed that all developments be closely monitored while an orderly action plan is formulated in coordination with the various agencies, and will receive regular updates," the press release noted.

The outbreaks have been "centered" in the Hula Valley and Margaliot in upper Galilee, but it has also been detected in three farming communities in Israel, The Times of Israel said in a report. These are Ein Hahoresh, Bar'am and Givat Ze'ev. These have been isolated while other farms in the area are also being monitored.

According to the outlet, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority believes the disease may have spread through a truck driver who delivered food to the chicken coops in Moshav Margaliot then also brought food to the Hula Reserve. Children who may have touched an ill crane while visiting the reserve may also have contributed to the spread of the disease, according to Reuters.

Environmental Minister Tamar Zandberg called the event the "worst blow to wildlife in the country's history," the outlet added.

Because of the outbreak, the public is being advised to cook poultry meat and eggs thoroughly and to avoid coming in contact with wild birds as well as their excrement. They should also call authorities if they notice any sick birds.