Avian Influenza Detected in Blija (FR)

In Blija (municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân, province of Friesland), avian influenza has been detected at a broiler farm. It appears to be a highly pathogenic variant. Approximately 66,000 chicks will be culled by the NVWA to prevent spread.

Within a 1-kilometer radius of the infected farm, there is 1 poultry farm being monitored for symptoms. This also applies to another farm in the 3-kilometer zone, which has 3 poultry farms, 2 of which are empty, while the third is being screened. In the 10-kilometer zone, there are 8 poultry farms under an immediate transportation ban.

A transportation ban applies to all birds and eggs from at-risk birds. This ban also extends to manure and bedding from birds and other animals from poultry farms. There are regulations for hunting, including a ban on hunting ducks in areas where it may disturb waterfowl. Check the current infections and measures on the map in the Animal Disease Viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

National measures are in place, such as a ban on visiting bird enclosures of at-risk birds unless necessary. At-risk birds include domestic fowl, waterfowl, and ground birds.

In certain regions, including where this infection occurred, the confinement and shielding obligation is in effect. Commercially kept birds must remain indoors, except for pheasants and ornamental waterfowl. For non-commercially kept at-risk birds, such as in zoos and private ownership, a shielding obligation applies. For more information, see the NVWA website on the confinement and shielding obligation. There is also a ban on the exhibition of poultry, waterfowl, and ground birds.

A tracing investigation is being conducted regarding the infection in Blija to identify risky contacts. If necessary, additional measures will be taken based on the investigation. These will be reported through updates in this press release and the online channels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).