Avian influenza detected in Oldekerk

Avian influenza has been discovered at a breeding company in Oldekerk (municipality of Westerkwartier, province of Groningen). It appears to be a highly pathogenic variant. The NVWA is culling about 38,000 animals to prevent the spread.

In the 1-kilometer zone around the infected farm, there is 1 other vacant farm. Within the 3-kilometer zone, there is another poultry farm that the NVWA is screening for avian influenza. There are 13 other poultry farms in the 10-kilometer zone. A transport ban applies immediately to these farms. Oldekerk is in a region where the regional confinement and screening obligation is still in effect. The confinement and screening obligation now also applies in areas where it was not previously in force.

The transport ban applies to all birds and bird eggs, manure, and other animal products from farms with poultry. Hunting ducks is also prohibited in this area. Check the current infections on the Animal Disease Viewer from RVO.

There are national measures such as a ban on visiting bird habitats of at-risk birds unless necessary. The confinement and screening obligation remains in effect for commercially kept birds. For non-commercially kept at-risk birds, a screening obligation applies. More information about the confinement and screening obligation can be found on the NVWA website.

A tracing investigation is being conducted into risky contacts in Oldekerk. If necessary, additional measures will be taken and announced through updates in this press release and online channels of the Ministry of LNV.