Avian Influenza Detected in Weert

In Weert, Limburg province, avian influenza has been detected at a breeding center for flamingos and cranes. To prevent virus spread, about 120 flamingos and cranes are culled in enclosures where animals tested positive. Other susceptible birds are intensively monitored by the NVWA.

Within the 1-kilometer zone, there are 3 other poultry farms. Within the 3-kilometer zone, there are 8 other poultry farms. These farms are screened for the presence of the avian influenza virus and intensively monitored for 14 days. Within the 10-kilometer zone, there are 95 poultry farms.

In total, there are more birds susceptible to avian influenza. According to European regulations, it is possible to deviate from the obligation to cull all animals at an infected location if the animals have high cultural or educational value. Culling all birds present is not proportional in this case. Therefore, careful consideration is given to which animals are culled and which are not. Birds not culled are kept separately and retested later. All birds present must also be shielded from the public for a period of 3 weeks.

Transport Ban

A transport ban applies immediately throughout the entire 10-kilometer zone. This means that no birds, hatching eggs, 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. 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 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 confinement and shielding obligation applies in the Netherlands. The confinement obligation applies to all commercially kept birds. The shielding obligation applies to non-commercially kept risk birds (for example, hobby chickens).

Tracing Investigation

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 farm. These measures are announced via an update in this press release and through the online channels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).