Avian Influenza Detected in Vriezenveen

Avian influenza has been detected in Vriezenveen (municipality of Twenterand, province of Overijssel) at a hobby farmer. It is likely a highly pathogenic variant. To prevent the spread, about 150 ornamental waterfowl and chickens are being culled by the NVWA. This is the same location where avian influenza was confirmed on September 15, 2022.

There are no other poultry farms within the 1-kilometer zone of the infected farm. Within the 3-kilometer zone, there are five other poultry farms that are already being screened for avian influenza by the NVWA. In the 10-kilometer zone, there are 37 poultry farms. A transport ban and mandatory housing and shielding measures apply in the 10-kilometer zone.

A transport ban applies to all birds and breeding and consumption eggs from locations with birds. The ban also applies to manure from birds and used bedding, as well as other animals and animal products from poultry farms. Additionally, there are hunting regulations; hunting ducks or in areas where it may disturb waterfowl is prohibited. Check the current infections and measures on the map in the Animal Disease Viewer from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

National measures are still in effect, such as a ban on visiting bird enclosures of at-risk birds, unless absolutely necessary. At-risk birds include domesticated poultry (like chickens), waterfowl, and ground birds.

In several regions, the mandatory housing and shielding measures remain in force. In these areas, commercial birds must be housed indoors (except for pheasants, ornamental waterfowl, and ground birds). For non-commercial at-risk birds (poultry/chickens, ornamental waterfowl, and ground birds), such as in zoos, petting farms, and from private owners, as well as for commercially kept pheasants, ornamental waterfowl, and ground birds, shielding measures apply. More information about the housing and shielding obligation can be found on the NVWA website here. There is also a ban on the exhibition of poultry, waterfowl, and ground birds.

In light of the infection at this location in Vriezenveen, a tracing investigation is being conducted to identify at-risk contacts. If necessary, additional measures will be taken based on the outcomes of the investigation. Any additional measures will be communicated through an update in this press release and through the online channels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).