Avian Influenza Detected in Barneveld (GLD)

Avian influenza has been detected at a laying hen farm in Barneveld (Gelderland). It is likely a highly pathogenic variant. The NVWA is culling about 41,000 chickens to prevent the spread of the virus.

There are no other poultry farms within a 1-kilometer radius of the infected farm. In the 3-kilometer zone, there are 34 poultry farms being screened for avian influenza by the NVWA. These farms will be intensively monitored for 14 days for symptoms. In the 10-kilometer zone, there are 220 farms subject to a transport ban.

A transport ban applies to all birds and breeding and consumption eggs from a location with birds. The ban also applies to bird manure and used bedding, as well as other animals and animal products from poultry farms. Additionally, there are rules for hunting; for instance, hunting ducks or hunting in areas that 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 remain in place, such as a ban on visiting aviaries of at-risk birds unless absolutely necessary. At-risk birds include domestic fowl (like chickens), waterfowl, and ground birds.

In several regions, including the one where this infected facility is located, the confinement and shielding obligation is still in effect. In these regions, the confinement obligation applies to commercially kept birds, which must be brought indoors (except for pheasants, ornamental waterfowl, and ground birds). For non-commercially kept at-risk birds (fowl/chickens, ornamental waterfowl, and ground birds), such as in zoos, petting farms, and private bird owners, as well as for commercially kept pheasants, ornamental waterfowl, and ground birds, there is a shielding obligation. More information about the confinement and shielding obligation can be found on the NVWA website here. Additionally, there is a ban on the exhibition of poultry, waterfowl, and ground birds.

As part of the infection at this location in Barneveld, a tracing investigation is conducted to identify risky contacts. If necessary, additional measures will be taken based on the investigations findings. Any additional measures will be communicated through updates in this press release and through the online channels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).