News item | 20-11-2025 | 2:37 PM
In the town of Dilsen-Stokkem, just across the border in Belgium, bird flu has been detected on a farm with laying hens. Belgium has established a restricted area that partly falls within the Netherlands. That is why the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) has established a restriction zone in the municipality of Echt-Susteren, in Limburg.
Transport ban
Due to the outbreak close to the Dutch border, parts of the 3 and 10 kilometer restriction zones fall into the Netherlands. There are no poultry farms in the 3-kilometer zone and there are two poultry farms in the 10-kilometer zone.
A transport ban applies immediately to the entire restricted zone. This means that no birds, hatching eggs and/or eggs for consumption may be transported from locations with birds in this zone. There is also a ban on the disposal of bird manure and used litter. Animals other than birds and their products may be transported to and from locations with birds, provided this is done in accordance with the strict conditions of the hygiene protocol.
These measures are necessary to prevent spread to other parts of the country. Where exactly this is can be seen on the animal disease viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
National measures
Since October 16, 2025, there has been a national cage and shielding obligation in the Netherlands. The cage requirement applies to all commercially kept birds. The shielding obligation applies to non-commercially kept risk birds (for example chickens kept as a hobby).
Tracing investigation
Following this contamination, Belgium will conduct a tracing investigation into the source and possible risky contacts.