Bird flu spreads in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has imposed additional restrictions on poultry farms following the detection of three outbreaks of bird flu from 26 to 28 October in the provinces of Groningen and North Holland. The government has ordered the birds to be kept indoors to reduce the risk of further infection.

State Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature Protection Silvio Erkens said that the emergence of several foci of the disease in a short time indicates a serious threat of new infections.

The restrictions apply to birds intended for sale, as well as to susceptible domestic birds, including chickens. Authorities have also banned exhibitions of at-risk birds.

Rules for visiting poultry facilities have also been tightened. Now visitors to poultry farms must register and comply with the established hygienic requirements.

When assessing the epidemiological situation, the government took into account not only cases of infection within the country, but also outbreaks in other EU states, as well as the detection of infected wild birds. An additional threat is the beginning of seasonal migration of birds.

In parallel, the authorities, together with representatives of the industry, are preparing a plan for mandatory vaccination of laying hens. The government will also address trade restrictions related to vaccines. The document is scheduled to be submitted to Parliament for approval at the end of the year.