Avian influenza detected in Nieuw-Weerdinge (province of Drenthe)

In Nieuw-Weerdinge (municipality of Emmen), avian influenza has been detected at a poultry farm, likely a highly pathogenic variant. To prevent the spread of the virus, approximately 201,600 broilers are being culled by the NVWA.

There are no other poultry farms within the 1-kilometer zone around the infected farm. Within the 3-kilometer zone, there are 6 poultry farms that are being monitored by the NVWA. These farms will be closely monitored for symptoms of avian influenza over the next 14 days. In the 10-kilometer zone, there are 24 poultry farms. Where there was previously no confinement and screening obligation, this is now the case, along with a transport ban.

A transport ban applies to all birds and bird eggs from any location with birds. This ban also includes manure and litter from birds, as well as other animals and products from poultry farms. Hunting is prohibited in this area, including hunting ducks. Check the current infections and measures on the map in the Disease Viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

National measures are still in effect, such as a ban on visiting areas with at-risk birds unless absolutely necessary. At-risk birds include poultry (like chickens) and waterfowl.
The confinement and screening obligation remains in place in certain regions. Commercially kept birds must be brought indoors, except for pheasants and ornamental waterfowl. For non-commercial at-risk birds in places like zoos and petting farms, a screening obligation applies. More information about the confinement and screening obligation can be found on the NVWA website here. Exhibiting poultry is also prohibited.

A tracing investigation is being conducted regarding the infection in Nieuw-Weerdinge to identify at-risk contacts. If necessary, additional measures will be taken, which will be communicated via an update in this press release and through the online channels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality (LNV).