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Netherlands Bans All Bird Events as Avian Flu Risk Raised to 'Very High'

Officials cite a Europe‑wide surge in detections, underscoring unresolved EU rules that hinder vaccination.

Overview

  • Minister Femke Wiersma ordered a temporary nationwide halt to shows, markets and other events involving any bird species to limit transmission.
  • The measure broadens earlier restrictions that applied only to high‑risk species after experts upgraded the assessed infection probability for poultry farms to very high.
  • Major regional events were canceled in Gelderland, including the Gelderlandshow in Kerk Avezaath and the European Culture Bird Show in Afferden, drawing concern from hobbyist groups.
  • EFSA calculated roughly four times more detections in 26 EU countries from September to mid‑November than a year earlier, the highest for that period since 2016.
  • Initial results from the Dutch field trial of three vaccines in laying hens are expected within months, yet mandatory weekly inspections for vaccinated flocks are seen as a key obstacle to rollout.