The Dutch government ordered all poultry to be kept indoors nationwide on Wednesday after three bird flu outbreaks were detected in three days.
State Secretary for Agriculture Silvio Erkens imposed the measure, citing a “serious risk of new infections.” Outbreaks were confirmed in Lutjegast and Grootegast in Groningen province on Monday and Wednesday, and in Middelie, Noord-Holland, on Tuesday. The housing order applies to commercial farms, while hobby keepers must shield their birds from wild ones.
Erkens said the decision balanced animal health, welfare, and economic impact. The ministry noted that wild bird migration had begun, increasing the risk of virus spread. Last year, a similar order was issued around this time, and tens of thousands of birds were culled to contain the disease.
In Grootegast, 51,000 egg-laying hens were culled after the latest outbreak. A 10-kilometer transport ban on chickens, meat, and eggs is in place around the affected farm. Additional rules include banning non-essential visitors from poultry barns and suspending exemptions for exhibiting high-risk ornamental birds.
Erkens also announced plans to introduce mandatory vaccination for egg-laying hens, with talks underway with the poultry sector. The government emphasized strict hygiene compliance at farms to prevent further spread.
