Avian influenza returns to Dutch poultry farms: nationwide housing order in place
At the end of October, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed on three poultry farms in the Netherlands. These were the first outbreaks on commercial farms since July. The Dutch government responded with a nationwide housing order and other measures to prevent further spread.
Three outbreaks in one week
The infections were confirmed on 26, 27 and 28 October on farms in Lutjegast and Grootegast, in the province of Groningen, and in Middelie, in Noord-Holland. The farms in Lutjegast and Grootegast are laying hen farms with around 45,000 and 51,000 birds. All birds on the infected farms were culled by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Around each farm, a 10-kilometre zone was set up with a ban on transporting poultry, eggs, manure and used litter.
Nationwide measures
On 28 October, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature announced several nationwide measures:
- a housing order for commercially kept poultry
- a shielding order for hobby flocks and other non-commercial birds, which must be kept away from contact with wild birds
- a ban on shows and exhibitions of poultry and other birds
- stricter rules for visits to poultry farms: visits are only allowed when necessary, and visitors must register and follow a hygiene protocol
Next step: vaccination
The Netherlands is also preparing for vaccination of laying hens against avian influenza. According to the ministry, a plan will be sent to the Dutch parliament by the end of this year. This would be an important step for the Dutch poultry sector, and one that is being followed closely in other countries facing the same disease.
Biosecurity remains key
Autumn and winter are high-risk periods, as migrating wild birds can carry the virus. The virus in wild birds cannot be controlled, which makes biosecurity on every farm the most important line of defence. This includes strict hygiene at farm entrances, separate clothing and footwear for each house, limiting visitors, and preventing any contact between poultry and wild birds.
Dutch poultry companies have broad experience with biosecurity, housing systems and disease prevention. Would you like to know more about Dutch solutions in this field? Please contact us at info@poultrycentre.nl.
