Avian Influenza Detected in Holwierde

A protection zone of 3 kilometers and a surveillance zone of 10 kilometers have been established around the infected location. There are no other poultry farms within the 1-kilometer zone, 3 poultry farms within the 3-kilometer zone, and 11 poultry farms within the 10-kilometer zone.

The farms within the 3-kilometer zone will be screened by the NVWA according to standing policy.

Part of the 10-kilometer zone lies in Germany. The German authorities have been informed about this.

A transport ban applies immediately to the entire 10-kilometer restriction zone around the infected location. 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. Other animals 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.

These measures are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. The location of the restriction zone can be seen on the animal diseases viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Since October 16, 2025, a national housing and shielding obligation due to 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).

The NVWA is conducting 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 will follow, such as extra sampling or blocking a risky contact farm. These measures will be announced via an update of this press release and through the online channels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).