According to USDA-ARS-GAIN report RO 2021-007, an extensive outbreak of HPAI occurred early this month on a commercial farm in Central Romania.  The outbreak involving 180,000 birds, presumably for egg production, was diagnosed on May 6th resulting in depletion and disposal.  A minor outbreak was confirmed in a backyard flock in a neighboring county that had previously purchased birds from the index farm.

In addition to complying with OIE requirements, restrictions have been placed on movement of birds, personnel, and equipment and live-bird trading for 30 days.  This H5N8 outbreak follows isolation of the virus from free living birds, but is the first commercial case diagnosed in 2021.