Avian influenza has been detected at a laying hen farm in Drogeham (municipality of Achtkarspelen, Friesland province). To prevent the spread of the virus, approximately 120,000 animals at the location are being culled by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
Within the 1-kilometer zone there is one other poultry farm. This farm is being sampled for the presence of avian influenza virus and intensively monitored for 14 days. Within the 3-kilometer zone there are 3 other poultry farms being screened by the NVWA. Within the 10-kilometer zone there are 27 poultry farms.
Transport Ban
A transport ban applies immediately throughout the entire 10-kilometer zone. This means that no poultry and hatching or consumption eggs may be transported from locations with birds in this zone. A ban also applies to the removal of manure from birds and used litter, as well as other animals and animal products originating from farms with birds. These measures are necessary to prevent spread to other parts of the country. The location of the 10-kilometer zone can be seen on the animal disease viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Read the full report on the Rijksoverheid website.
For questions about the culling, journalists can contact the NVWA press team at (088) 22 33 700.
For questions about avian influenza policy, journalists can contact the spokespersons of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.
