The obligation to keep poultry farms in Drenthe will be lifted with immediate effect. Agriculture Minister Staghouwer writes this to the House of Representatives. The risk of bird flu infection has decreased enough in the last three weeks, say experts who advise the minister.
In the Netherlands, a confinement obligation has been in effect for months. Although bird flu still appeared in the Netherlands last week, the minister wants to “provide perspective” to poultry companies. The compulsory indoor confinement will not be lifted nationally, but only in regions bordering Germany and part of North Brabant.
Staghouwer says that he has taken into account aspects such as animal welfare, the financial damage to the companies and the social desire to have a sector in the Netherlands, “where chickens can forage outside for at least a certain period”, in his decision.
The risk of infections is still too high for regions that are not located on the national borders to withdraw the obligation to be kept in a cage. This obligation has been in effect since October 26, 2021. Other measures that have been introduced for the sector in addition to the mandatory incubation, such as the ban on competitions and exhibitions, continue to apply throughout the country.