The Netherlands has slaughtered about 190,000 ducks in response to the bird flu (H5N8) virus outbreak reported in various countries in the region.

The bird flu (H5N8) virus has been reported in Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark. Now, it has found its way to Netherland farms. The Guardian reported that the Dutch authorities did not mention what type of strain was discovered, but annihilating some 190,000 ducks at six farms in the region was said to be a necessary means for disinfection.

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In addition, 10,000 ducks raised on a farm within a radius of one kilometer from the infected farm were also slaughtered. Three other farms within a three-kilometer radius from the infected farm are being investigated for traces of the bird flu (H5N8) virus. The Netherland's Ministry of Economic Affairs has also issued an immediate transport ban on several poultry products such as eggs and manure in response to the crisis.

The Netherlands is the world's second largest agricultural exporter, and raises more than 100 million poultry animals including pigs, hens, and cows. The density makes these animals more prone to disease outbreaks such as the bird (H5N8) virus.

Meanwhile, farm ducks in some Danish poultry have been reported dead due to the bird flu (H5N8) virus. This has dampened the country's poultry exports. Last week, Germany was preparing to slaughter 8,800 geese.

This strain of bird flu (H5N8) virus that has hit European countries is unlike the outbreak that occurred in 2014, according to New Scientist. Scientists think that the new strain might have picked up new genes from flu strains in wild birds, which makes the virus even more deadly. While it is been affecting birds for now, the World Health Organization has said that humans cannot be excluded from the outbreak.