Avian Influenza Detected in Border Area of Germany

Avian influenza has been detected at a poultry farm near Kleve, North Rhine-Westphalia, just across the border in Germany. Germany has established a restriction zone that partly extends into the Netherlands. Therefore, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) has set up a restriction zone around Millingen aan de Rijn and east of Groesbeek. On November 21, a monitoring zone was also established in this area by the minister due to a previous outbreak of avian influenza in Kleve.

Transport Ban

Due to the outbreak near the Dutch border, part of the 10-kilometer restriction zone falls within the Netherlands. There is one poultry farm in this area. A transport ban applies immediately within the 10-kilometer zone. This means that no birds or hatching and/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 litter, as well as other animals and animal products from farms with birds.

These measures are necessary to prevent the spread to other parts of the country. The exact locations can be seen on the animal disease viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

National Measures

Since October 16, 2025, a national housing and shielding obligation for avian influenza has been in effect in the Netherlands. The housing obligation applies to all commercially kept birds. The shielding obligation applies to non-commercially kept risk birds (for example, hobby chickens).