TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A poultry farm in Changhua County was confirmed to be infected by the H5N1 strain of bird flu this week, with a mass culling of chickens ordered on Friday. 

Abnormal deaths were reported to the Animal Disease Control Center in Changhua on Feb. 24, which prompted an inspection of the farm in Dacheng Township. After avian influenza was confirmed on Thursday, officials culled 28,441 birds on Friday to stop the pathogen from spreading, reported CNA. 

Earlier this month, the central government said it would increase inspections for bird flu at ports of entry into Taiwan. Poultry farmers were also urged to strengthen preventive measures to ensure the safety of their farms. 

The current strain of H5N1 is considered highly pathogenic, with a mortality rate of approximately 75% for chicks exposed in the first eight weeks of life. Reported cases in Taiwan have increased rapidly since last fall due to birds carrying the virus from abroad on their southward migrations.  

The Animal Disease Control Center in Changhua noted that the recent cold weather may also cause a spike in infections. Cold temperatures and sudden fluctuations in temperature can reduce the natural resistance of otherwise healthy chickens, per CNA. 

The case in Changhua marks 23 infections at poultry farms in Taiwan reported since September. The previous mass culling and disinfection occurred in December at a farm in Yunlin.