News item | 22-11-2025 | 14:03
Bird flu has been detected on a poultry farm near Kinrooi, just across the border in Belgian Limburg. Belgium has established a protection and surveillance zone, partly located in the Netherlands. That is why the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) has established this protection and surveillance zone in Limburg.
Transport ban
Due to the outbreak at the company in Belgium, close to the Dutch border, part of the protection and surveillance zones of 3 and 10 kilometers falls in the Netherlands. There are five poultry farms in the 3km zone, which are screened by the NVWA. There are 46 poultry farms in the 10km zone, including a poultry slaughterhouse. A transport ban applies immediately within the 3 and 10 kilometer area. This means that no birds, breeding and/or consumption eggs may be transported from locations with birds in this zone. There is also a ban on the disposal of bird manure and used litter, and on other animals and animal products from farms with birds. These measures are necessary to prevent spread to other parts of the country. Where exactly the restricted zone 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.