Avian Influenza Detected in Border Area of Germany

Due to the outbreak near the Dutch border, part of the 3-kilometer restriction zone and a large part of the 10-kilometer restriction zone fall within the Netherlands. One farm lies within the 3-kilometer zone and will be screened by the NVWA. Another 7 poultry farms are located within the 10-kilometer zone. A transport ban applies immediately in both areas. 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. These measures are necessary to prevent spread to other parts of the country. 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.

The location of the 3- and 10-kilometer zones can be seen on the animal diseases viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

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

Since November 26, 2025, the national ban on visiting bird premises that are part of a facility with commercially kept birds has been tightened. Visits to these facilities are only allowed if the visit is 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 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 notification. If necessary, additional measures will 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).