Ministry of Agriculture orders all poultry to be kept indoors amid bird flu spike

The Ministry of Agriculture has ordered all poultry to be kept indoors and enclosed nationwide, effective immediately. The measure follows last week’s detection of bird flu at a chicken farm in Gasselternijveenschemond, Drenthe, and new expert assessments indicating an elevated risk of the disease.

The measures apply to both commercial farms and hobbyists who keep chickens. The exception for exhibitions of high-risk birds is also being withdrawn. The ministry says the measure is aimed at reducing the risk of bird flu as much as possible and calls it “a heavy measure” for both businesses and hobbyists. Authorities stress that the disease is “highly unpredictable” and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

In Gasselternijveenschemond, 71,000 chickens were culled by the NVWA following the outbreak. A 10-kilometer restriction zone has also been imposed, prohibiting the transport of any animals.

LTO, the Dutch agricultural and horticultural organization, has voiced its support for the measure. “With experts confirming an increased risk of bird flu, it is logical to implement precautionary steps. We back this decision to protect both animal health and the sector,” a spokesperson stated.

Bart-Jan Oplaat, chairman of the Dutch Poultry Farmers’ Union (NVP), described the measure as a sensible decision. “Our priority is to keep our animals healthy, and if that means keeping them indoors temporarily due to the heightened risk of bird flu, then that is necessary,” he said. The NVP hopes the obligation will be lifted at the earliest opportunity.