Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza In The Netherlands - NETHERLANDS - Follow-up report No. 14 (Final report via OIE) on the avian influenza outbreak in the Netherlands See also: 30 May 2003, 23 May 2003, 16 May 2003, 9 May 2003, 2 May 2003, 25 April 2003, 18 April 2003, 11 April 2003, 4 April 2003, 28 March 2003, 21 March 2003, 14 March 2003, 7 March 2003, 7 March 2003

Information received on 2 October 2003 from Dr Frederik H. Pluimers, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, The Hague:

End of previous report period: 30 May 2003 (see Disease Information, 16 [22], 133, dated 30 May 2003).

End of this report period: 2 October 2003.

The last case was confirmed on 23 May 2003, but the flock in question had already been culled on 17 April 2003.

The last infected flock was culled on 11 May 2003.

In accordance with European Commission (EC) Decision 2003/428/EC, on all infected holdings the manure was safely removed and sentinel birds were placed in the cleaned and disinfected premises for a period of three weeks.

In accordance with the above Decision, the sentinel birds were tested on all the aforementioned holdings. All tests were negative for avian influenza.

The Netherlands has therefore fulfilled all the requirements in relation to Decision 2003/428/EC. All restriction measures were lifted as of 22 August 2003. Eradication was achieved with sanitary measures and without the use of vaccination.

The EC measures in relation to avian influenza, laid down in Decision 2003/153/EC and last amended by Decision 2003/387/EC, have been lifted.

Source: OFFICE INTERNATIONAL DES EPIZOOTIES - 3rd October 2003