Over 2 million poultry culled in Taiwan

More than 2.14 million chicken, ducks and geese have been culled in Taiwan as one of the most severe avian flu outbreaks in a decade continues to cause huge losses, Taiwan's agriculture authority said on Monday.

Of all tested farms, 655 in 14 cities or counties have been confirmed as infected with H5 strains of the virus.

All cities and counties in the island have been required to complete their epidemic prevention plans for the Spring Festival period by Friday. Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb.19 this year, usually sees a surge in transportation and consumption of poultry and eggs.

As part of epidemic prevention, culls and disinfection of farms were carried out in affected areas, particularly in Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan and Pingtung.