JERUSALEM, (Reuters) – An avian influenza outbreak has claimed more than 5,000 migratory birds in Israel. Authorities have declared a nature reserve closed to the public and warned of a potential egg shortage.

Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister met with his national security advisor and other experts in order to discuss the efforts to stop this outbreak from spreading to humans. Bennett’s office confirmed that no cases of human transmission have been recorded so far.

Israeli media reported that children visiting the reserve might have touched the grip of a crane infected with the virus and contributed to its spread.

Tamar Zandberg (Environment Minister) tweeted, “This is the biggest blow to wildlife in our country’s history.” She was speaking as hazardous material-suit wearing rangers removed carcasses of cranes from Hula Nature Reserve.

She stated that hundreds of thousands had been killed.

In order to avoid an egg shortage, the authorities sought to lower import quotas as well as to bring eggs in from overseas.