Bird flu investigation underway at Emmen zoo amid national safety measures
Residents and visitors in Drenthe are urged to stay alert as authorities investigate a potential bird flu outbreak at a zoo in Emmen. The affected area remains closed, and national biosecurity rules are in effect to prevent further spread.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Emmen Zoo, Drenthe, Netherlands |
| Investigating Authority | Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) |
| Current Status | Suspected bird flu in dead birds; live birds not yet confirmed |
| Monitoring Period | 3 weeks |
| Zoo Access | Affected section closed to the public |
| National Measures | Indoor housing obligation for commercial birds; tightened visitor bans |
| Effective Since | October 16, 2025 (housing obligation), November 26, 2025 (visitor ban) |
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is responsible for monitoring and controlling animal diseases, including bird flu outbreaks. Their role includes enforcing national biosecurity measures to protect both animal and public health.
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Investigation into bird flu in Emmen
In Emmen, in the province of Drenthe, an investigation is underway into bird flu at a zoo. This follows indications of the presence of the virus in several dead birds.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has not yet been able to confirm bird flu in live birds at the zoo. The NVWA will closely monitor the situation in the coming period in collaboration with the zoo. The animals will be monitored for a period of three weeks. The relevant section of the zoo will remain closed to the public during this time.
National measures
Since October 16, 2025, a national indoor housing and biosecurity obligation has been in effect in the Netherlands. The indoor housing obligation applies to all commercially kept birds. The biosecurity obligation applies to non-commercially kept risk birds (for example, hobby poultry).
Since November 26, 2025, the national ban on visiting bird enclosures has been tightened. Visits to these facilities are only permitted if they are necessary for public health, animal health, animal welfare, or the health of people present in the stables.