In Zandpol it is a regular occurrence, the small animal exhibition during the autumn holidays. Year in, year out, rows of rabbits, guinea pigs, pigeons and other animals fill the village hall. The judges look over every coat, every feather and every beak.
But this year it’s a little different. Due to bird flu, the chickens stay at home.
Nevertheless, inspections are still carried out, but at home. There is a disinfection bath and assessment forms in the trunk. “First disinfect the feet, then we can safely visit all addresses,” says judge Albert Meesters, while he stamps his shoes dry.
There is relief at the Small Animal Association De Sportfokkers that the inspection can go ahead after all. “If you breed for an exhibition, but you can’t go there, then your hobby is basically ruined,” says Theo Hummel with a smile.
He breeds pigeons himself that can be admired in the village hall. “Pigeons can become infected with bird flu, but they rarely get sick. And they hardly spread the virus,” he explains, while a white-gray pigeon curiously bites at his finger.
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