The chance that the virus will spread further from the infected location is small, as it concerns a small hobby farm. Nevertheless, Newcastle disease, like avian influenza, is a disease that the government is required to combat. Therefore, the following measures are in place to prevent spread to other parts of the country:

• Culling: The pigeons at the location are being culled by the NVWA.

• Restriction Zone: A restriction zone of 10 km is established around the location. Within the 10-kilometer zone, there are four poultry farms.
• Transport Ban: A transport ban applies immediately to these four farms. This means that no poultry and breeding and consumption eggs may be transported from locations with birds in this zone.

• Manure Disposal Ban: There is a ban on the disposal of manure from birds and used bedding, and for other animals and animal products from companies with birds.

• Indoor and Shielding Obligation: There is currently a nationwide indoor and shielding obligation, so also in this 10-kilometer zone. The indoor obligation applies to all commercially kept birds, and the shielding obligation applies to non-commercially kept at-risk birds (for example, hobby chickens). Read here how to comply with a shielding obligation.
• Tracing Investigation: The NVWA is conducting a tracing investigation into risky contacts. This examines whether pigeons or products to and from this location were transported in the period leading up to the report. If necessary, additional measures will follow, such as extra sampling or blocking a risky contact company.

Where the 10-kilometer zone is located can be seen on the animal diseases viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Commercially kept poultry and racing pigeons must be vaccinated against the disease. This obligation does not apply to hobby poultry. These are therefore susceptible to infection. Symptoms in unvaccinated chickens include sudden death, respiratory problems, decreased egg production, reduced appetite, tremors or paralysis, or twisted beak. There is a reporting obligation for Newcastle disease. This means that (suspicions of) infection must be reported immediately to the NVWA. If in doubt, contact your veterinarian. Additionally, ensure good hygiene: wash your hands and disinfect boots and clothing.

There is no danger to public health. Humans can become infected after close contact with infected pigeons. Symptoms are usually mild; conjunctivitis is the most common. Bird keepers and visitors to poultry or pigeon exhibitions in the region are advised to monitor symptoms closely and contact a veterinarian if in doubt.

For more information, see these questions and answers about Newcastle disease.