The caging obligation for poultry to the presence of bird flu has been lifted throughout the Netherlands. The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality announced this after consultation with the Expert Group on Animal Diseases. In recent weeks, the bird flu virus H5N1 has no longer been found in dead or live wild birds and poultry. Based on these findings and considering the presence of the virus in surrounding countries, it was decided to lift the caging obligation for the whole country.
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research examined 57 dead wild birds for the presence of the bird flu virus in the period between 7 March and 22 April 2024. None of these birds tested positive. Erasmus MC checked 400 live birds for the presence of the bird flu virus. These birds also tested negative.
Last month, 26 March, free range was already allowed in most parts of the Netherlands. This measure did not lead to any new outbreaks. The bird flu situation is also calm in the rest of Europe, says the Expert Group on Animal Diseases for Avian Flu.
The expert group expects the current situation to continue over the next month, resulting in little virus circulating among wild birds and therefore low risks for the poultry sector as well. Based on the expert group's assessments, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality has decided to drop the requirement of caging and fencing with immediate effect.
