Avian Influenza Detected in Border Area of Germany

Due to the outbreak near the Dutch border, part of the 10-kilometer restriction zone lies within the Netherlands. There are no poultry farms within the 10-kilometer zone on Dutch territory. An immediate transport ban applies within this 10 km area. This means that no birds, hatching eggs, or consumption eggs may be transported from locations with birds in this zone. There is also a ban on the removal of bird manure and used litter. These measures are necessary to prevent spread to other parts of the country. Animals other than birds and their products may be transported to and from locations with birds provided this is done according to the strict conditions of the hygiene protocol.

The location of the 10-kilometer zone can be viewed on the animal disease viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Since October 16, 2025, a national housing and screening obligation for avian influenza applies in the Netherlands. The housing obligation applies to all commercially kept birds. The screening obligation applies to non-commercially kept risk birds (e.g., hobby chickens).

Since November 26, 2025, the national visiting ban for bird premises that are part of a commercial bird holding has been tightened. Visits to these premises are only allowed if necessary for public health, animal health, animal welfare, or the health of persons present in the barn.

The national exhibition ban has been tightened since December 3, 2025, to a ban on events (such as exhibitions, competitions, fairs, markets, inspections, or other temporary gatherings) where birds are brought together. This ban applies to both risk birds and non-risk birds.

The NVWA conducts tracing investigations into risky contacts. This investigates whether products or poultry have been transported to and from this location in the period prior to the report. If necessary, additional measures follow, such as extra sampling or blocking a risky contact company. These measures are announced via an update in this press release and through the ministrys online channels.