The risk of a bird flu pandemic spreading to humans in Israel is real and “very worrying”, according to epidemiologist and Professor Amnon Lahad, president of the Israel National Health Council.

The health ministry on Wednesday called on Israelis to exercise caution in the face of an outbreak of bird flu, urging the public to avoid contact with sick or injured birds and not to hunt these animals.

In addition, with inspection stamps, it was recommended to buy chickens and eggs only at regulated places. According to the ministry, “care should be taken to cook eggs and chicken properly, follow hygiene and wash hands after any contact with meat or eggs.”

Most strains of avian flu do not infect humans. However, there are four types of concern: H5N1 from 1997, H7N9 from 2013, H5N6 from 2014, and H5N8 from 2016.

According to Mr Lahad, knowing very little about current infections means that the possibility of human jumping “should be taken seriously”.

“The spread of bird flu is of great concern, especially as it infects chickens, not just wild birds. It has gone from wild animals to production animals, and I hope it will not be passed on to humans. for,” he explained.

Experts say Israel is on a major migratory route and birds can spread the flu far beyond the country.