Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) confirmed another outbreak via real-time PCR diagnostic testing. In Zeewolde, H5 avian influenza was found in meat ducks at a poultry farm. To prevent the virus from spreading, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) culled all 10,000 animals at the site.

WBVR will type this virus and will further investigate whether the genetic composition of the virus is similar to HPAI viruses found earlier in 2021 in the Netherlands and Europe.

The Dutch government has asked the animal disease expert group for a new risk assessment in response to the recent infections.

According to the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, additional measures have been enacted to prevent the virus from spreading and to reduce the risk of infection. Additional measures will be enforced in the surrounds of the contaminated farm.

Birds to be kept indoors and away from other birds

Throughout the Netherlands, the following types of businesses must keep their birds indoors and away from other birds:

• farms which keep birds for the production of meat and eggs;
• farms which breed birds which will be released into the wild later.

Owners of pet birds – private individuals as well as zoos and petting zoos – must seek to prevent their animals from coming into contact with wild birds, wild waterfowl or bird droppings – for instance, by placing their animals in a run or aviary.

Visitor restrictions

Outsiders are not allowed to visit bird enclosures. In addition, outsiders are not allowed to enter the premises of any place where birds are kept. Exceptions to this rule can only be made for veterinary physicians, etc. Petting zoos, zoos and private individuals who keep pet birds must ensure that visitors do not come into contact with their birds. This measure applies to bird enclosures throughout the country.

Public display of poultry and waterfowl prohibited

Poultry and waterfowl owned by different persons or farms must not be brought together and/or publicly displayed in one place – e.g., at an annual fair, market or exhibition. This measure applies to events held throughout the country.

Waterfowl hunting prohibited

Waterfowl hunting is prohibited, as is any hunt which may disrupt the lives of waterfowl – e.g., hare hunts in areas with many waterfowl. This measure is enforced throughout the country.