Avian flu outbreak leads to culling of 14,000 birds in Noord-Brabant
A confirmed avian flu case at a broiler farm in Oudemolen has triggered the culling of 14,000 birds to prevent further spread. Residents and bird owners in the region face transport restrictions and containment rules, while authorities urge caution around dead or sick birds.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Oudemolen (Moerdijk, Noord-Brabant) |
| Affected birds | ~14,000 birds to be culled |
| Restricted zone | 10-kilometre transport ban around Oudemolen (southern Hoeksche Waard) |
| Housing obligation | Applies to all commercially kept birds since October 16, 2025 |
| Containment obligation | Applies to non-commercial high-risk birds (e.g., hobby chickens) |
| Reporting dead birds | Via Fixi app, email, or phone (088 – 647 36 47) |
| Authorities involved | Ministry of LVVN, NVWA, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) |
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) oversees animal health and disease control in the Netherlands, including avian flu outbreaks. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) enforces biosecurity measures and culling operations to prevent further spread of the virus.
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Avian flu in the region
Avian flu has been confirmed at a broiler farm in Oudemolen (municipality of Moerdijk, province of Noord-Brabant). To prevent the spread of the virus, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) has decided to cull approximately 14,000 birds at the location. This action will be carried out by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Below, you can read more about what is happening, what avian flu actually is, where to report a dead bird if you find one, and whether you or your pet could become infected.
Transport restrictions imposed for southern part of Hoeksche Waard
Transport restrictions have been imposed around Oudemolen. This means that part of the Hoeksche Waard falls within the 10-kilometre zone. A transport ban applies immediately throughout the entire 10-kilometre zone. You can view the location of the 10-kilometre zone on the animal disease viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). On this map, you can see that the transport restrictions apply particularly to the southern part of the island around Numansdorp and to the southwest of Strijen. There are no commercial poultry farms in this area.
Rules for private bird owners
Private bird owners are also subject to rules. You can find more information about this on the Dutch government website: What measures apply to me as a private bird owner during avian flu? | Dutch government. If you keep pigeons, you can find more information on the websites of the Dutch Pigeon Sports Federation or What measures apply to pigeon owners during avian flu? | Dutch government.
Housing and containment obligation
Since October 16, 2025, a national housing and containment obligation has been in effect in the Netherlands. The housing obligation applies to all commercially kept birds. The containment obligation applies to non-commercially kept high-risk birds (for example, hobby chickens).
What to do if you find a sick or dead bird?
Have you found a sick or dead bird? Do not touch it with bare hands! It is important to report findings of one or more dead wild birds at a single location. You can report your finding to the municipality. We work with various parties to ensure that dead birds are removed. You can submit your report via the Fixi app or the website. If an online report via Fixi is not possible, you can send an email to [email address]. During office hours, you can also call: 088 – 647 36 47.
Please note: do not report dead animals to the Animal Ambulance Foundation! You can call the Animal Ambulance Foundation for animals that are sick, weak or injured.
What is avian flu?
Avian flu (avian influenza) is a collective term for different flu viruses that can be dangerous to poultry and wild (water)birds. Examples include chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigeons and swans. Avian flu occurs worldwide. Many waterfowl carry flu viruses but do not become ill themselves. Contact between wild waterfowl and poultry is seen as a cause of avian flu outbreaks among poultry.
Can you get avian flu?
In rare cases, people can become infected with certain types of avian flu. This has occurred through direct and intensive contact between infected animals and humans, such as with animal caretakers or people involved in culling operations. People who become ill from avian flu experience the same symptoms as a regular winter flu: fever, headache, muscle pain, cough or eye inflammation. These infections in humans usually have a mild course. If you become ill, this will occur within ten days of your last contact with sick animals.
Is avian flu dangerous for dogs or cats?
It is known that dogs and cats are susceptible to avian flu. If a dog or cat has come into contact with an infected animal (for example, by eating it), the animal may become lethargic, short of breath, start panting heavily, develop eye inflammation and neurological disorders such as trembling or unsteady walking. Therefore, as a precaution, keep your dog on a leash in places where dead waterfowl may be found. This will prevent your dog from coming into contact with infected dead birds.
More information
You can find extensive information about avian flu on the NVWA’s ‘Avian flu’ information page.