News report | 23-01-2026 | 19:01

Antibodies to the avian influenza virus were detected in a dairy cow at a dairy farm in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân in the province of Friesland. No indications were found of active virus circulation of the avian influenza virus among the dairy cows on this farm. There are also no signs of spread of avian influenza at other dairy farms.

On December 24, 2025, the NVWA received a report about two sick cats. One of these cats tested positive for avian influenza and died two days later, read the letter to parliament here. Following this report, source and contact investigation was conducted by the NVWA. This investigation showed that the cat came from a dairy farm.

On January 15, the dairy cattle on that farm were screened with a sample survey. At that time, no sick animals were present. Research of the milk samples by Wageningen Bioveterinary Research showed that no active virus was present. Research was also conducted on the presence of antibodies. These were found in the milk samples of one cow. This indicates a past infection with the virus in that cow.

On January 22, the NVWA revisited the farm. Blood and milk samples were taken from all present cattle. This showed that there is no avian influenza virus on the farm. The results of the antibody tests are expected next week. This will show if more animals have come into contact with the virus. Other mammals on the farm, such as dogs, cats and horses, currently and in the recent period show no symptoms of illness. The people on the farm and the veterinarian are being tested by the GGD.

Antibodies against avian influenza have, as far as known, not been previously detected in dairy cattle in Europe. However, there have been many outbreaks of avian influenza among dairy cattle in the United States. An individual infection of a dairy cow with avian influenza virus can occur. It is important to know whether this leads to spread within and between farms. There are no indications that this has happened.

Read the full report on the Rijksoverheid website

For questions about avian influenza control, journalists can contact the NVWA press team, (088) 22 33 700.

For questions about policy regarding avian influenza, journalists can contact the spokespersons of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.