As of 21st of March 2006, bird flu has been found in the turkey coops of four agricultural settlements in the south and center of Israel. In a further two settlements, chickens have been found dead from bird flu. The disease has not been found in a single person in Israel and, of the poultry handlers in Israel suspected of having possibly contracted the disease, tests show that none has in fact done so.

　　As soon as the poultry deaths were discovered, the Ministries of Agriculture and Health activated their prepared guidelines and began culling affected birds. Following WHO instructions, all bird life in a 3-kilometer radius of the center of the infection are being destroyed.

　　In their response to this outbreak, including the bird cull, the two ministries are following the instructions issued by all relevant international organizations. All persons regularly handling poultry or who are regularly in their proximity are being tested by the health authorities.

　　All poultry coops in Israel, and all agricultural produce markets, are managed to the highest professional standards. They are scrupulously clean and strictly supervised by the relevant authorities.

　　Israel’s health care system is a world leader and its control and supervision of all food products is among the tightest possible.