Avian Flu Risk in Netherlands Soars as Wageningen Lab Moves to Crisis Phase

Overview

• The agriculture ministry now assesses the chance of infection on poultry farms as very high, with comparable virus pressure across all regions.
• Wageningen Bioveterinary Research has shifted to a crisis phase, increasing test supplies and implementing additional measures for poultry-farm personnel.
• A new outbreak was confirmed this week at a Bennekom farm where 20,000 birds were culled, following October’s Dodewaard case that led to 161,000 culls and further detections in Gelderland, including three in Bronckhorst.
• A nationwide housing and shielding requirement for poultry has been in effect since 16 October and remains in force.
• Authorities advise farms to block wild bird access to feed and litter, establish hygiene zones and strengthen pest control, while the public is urged to avoid resting sites and not touch dead birds.