TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A poultry farm in Taichung City is being investigated for trying to conceal a bird flu outbreak by burying over 1,216 chickens on a plot of private land in Miaoli County. 

Miaoli County Government received a report on Monday of 235 dead chickens left in a drainage ditch in Houlong Township. After investigation, it was found that Fengkang Livestock Farm in Taichung had disposed of the birds.

The farm owners admitted to Taichung city authorities on Thursday that they buried 1,150 chickens in Miaoli. After excavation, Miaoli County officials revised that number to 1,216, excluding the batch of 235 found in the drainage ditch.

In Taichung, the farm may face a fine of between between NT$50,000 (US$1,600) and NT$1 million for failing to report the bird deaths. Discrepancies in the number of dead birds reported may also lead to higher fines.

Miaoli County authorities cleared the area on Friday and completed disinfection procedures. Poultry farms within a 3-kilometer radius will also be tested for possible infection. The landowner who permitted the burial of the birds will also face investigation, per CNA.