Avian influenza detected in border area of Belgium

Avian influenza has been detected at a laying hen farm in Sint-Gillis-Waas, East Flanders, just across the border in Belgium. Belgium has established a restriction zone, part of which extends into Dutch territory. Consequently, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN) has established a monitoring zone in the adjoining area in the Netherlands, near Hulst in the province of Zeeland. The farm in Belgium will be depopulated.

Due to the outbreak near the Dutch border, part of the 10-kilometer restriction zone falls within the Netherlands. Within this area, there is one poultry farm. A transport ban is immediately in effect within the 10-kilometer zone. This means that no poultry, hatching eggs, or consumption eggs may be transported from locations with birds in this zone. There is also a ban on the removal of manure from birds and used bedding, as well as for other animals and animal products originating from farms with birds. These measures are necessary to prevent the spread to other parts of the country. The exact location can be viewed on the animal diseases viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

As a result of this infection, Belgium will conduct a tracing investigation to identify the source and potential risky contacts.