Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) has confirmed yet another outbreak of bird flu in the Netherlands. In Zeewolde, highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza was found in laying hens from an organic poultry farm. To prevent the virus from spreading, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) culled all 36,000 animals at the site.
WBVR will determine the subtype and pathogenicity of the virus, and investigate whether its genetic makeup is similar to the viruses that caused outbreaks in 2020-2021 in the Netherlands.
Transport ban Zeewolde
Poultry farms in the 3-kilometre area around the farm in Zeewolde are being sampled and tested for avian influenza. The Dutch government has announced an immediate transport ban for poultry farms in the 10 kilometre zone around the farm. This ban applies to poultry, eggs, poultry manure and litter, but also to other animals and animal products from poultry farms.
Housing requirement
As a result of the outbreak in Zeewolde, a housing obligation is set in place for all commercial poultry farms in the Netherlands from 26 October 2021.
Zoos, petting zoos and hobby farmers are required to fence off their poultry and waterfowl to prevent contact between these birds and diseased wild birds or their droppings. A ban also applies to exhibiting poultry and waterfowl.
Infections from autumn 2021
Tables: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infections as of October 2021 at Dutch poultry farms and hobby farms with 50 or more birds.
Highly pathogenic bird flu at commercial poultry farms
| Location | Type of farm | Number of animals | Type | Date test result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeewolde | Laying hens | 36,000 | H5 | 26 Oct 2021 |
Highly pathogenic bird flu at large hobby farms
| Location | Type of farm | Number of animals | Type | Date test result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
