Avian Influenza Detected in Vlagtwedde

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. A ban also applies to the removal of bird manure and used litter. These measures are necessary to prevent spread to other parts of the country. Animals other 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 10-kilometer zone will be made visible as soon as possible on the animal disease 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 visitation ban for bird facilities that are part of an establishment 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 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 will follow, such as extra sampling or blocking a risky contact company. These measures will be announced via an update in this press release and through the online channels of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).