Bird flu was diagnosed at a turkey farm in the Limburg municipality of Ospel. To prevent further spread of the virus, the nearly 29,000 turkeys are culled. The bird flu also has consequences for the Brabant companies on the border with Limburg.
A number of poultry farms in Brabant are located in the so-called ten-kilometre zone. These include companies in Someren, Asten and Maarheeze. A transport ban applies to these companies with immediate effect.
This means that birds and eggs may not be transported from the company. There is also a ban on the transport of bird manure, used litter, other animals and animal products. There are 110 poultry farms in the ten-kilometre zone around Ospel.
According to Twan Engelen of the ZLTO, the transport ban has a lot of influence on the companies. “It creates a lot of uncertainty. It has significant financial consequences for poultry farmers. For example, the price of eggs is being depreciated.”
Other measures
Within a zone of one kilometer there are five other poultry farms, three of which are empty. The two other companies are being removed as a precaution to prevent spread to the surrounding companies.
There are 28 other poultry farms within a three-kilometre zone. These farms will be screened for bird flu and closely monitored over the next fourteen days for signs of disease that may indicate bird flu.
There are 110 other poultry farms in the ten-kilometre zone. The transport ban therefore applies immediately in this area.
ALSO READ:
Here’s what you need to know about bird flu: six questions and answers