Understanding the Bird Flu Outbreak: Key Insights for Duck Farmers

A New Wave of Bird Flu: Impact on Duck Breeder in Hierden

On December 1, 2025, bird flu was reported at a duck breeding farm in Hierden (municipality of Harderwijk). To curb the spread of the virus, approximately 10,000 animals will be culled by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). The outbreak has prompted immediate action to safeguard public health and maintain biosecurity in the agricultural sector.

Heightened Surveillance and Response Measures

The government has emphasized a stringent reporting obligation for duck farmers. Early symptoms, such as decreased feed intake, necessitate immediate reporting to facilitate rapid response and containment measures. In previous outbreaks, prompt reporting has been crucial for early detection and control, enabling authorities to minimize the spread effectively.

The Surveillance Zones: What Farmers Need to Know

Within a one-kilometer radius of the infected farm, two other poultry farms are undergoing testing for the presence of the bird flu virus and will be closely monitored for 14 days. While no other poultry farms exist in the three-kilometer zone, the 10-kilometer zone contains 13 farms. This zone overlaps with the restriction area established on November 30 due to a separate outbreak in Zeewolde.

A transportation ban is now in effect throughout the 10-kilometer zone. This means that birds, hatching eggs, and consumption eggs cannot be transported from locations within this area. Furthermore, the removal of manure and bedding from infected birds is also prohibited under strict hygiene protocols. Farmers can still transport products from non-bird species to farms housing birds, provided they adhere to rigorous hygiene standards.

Nationwide Measures to Curb the Spread of Bird Flu

Since November 26, there has been a nationwide visiting ban for poultry farms in the Netherlands, allowing entry only for essential visitors like veterinarians. Mandatory changing of clothes and thorough washing procedures are enforced to limit the risk of spreading the virus. Furthermore, a nationwide confinement and shielding obligation was enacted on October 16 for all commercially kept birds. Backyard poultry, considered at risk, must also be kept under cover.

Investigating Contacts and Potential Risks

The NVWA is conducting traceability research to identify risky contacts and ascertain whether any birds or products have been moved to or from the infected location prior to the outbreak. Should it be necessary, additional measures may be implemented, such as increased sampling or blocking at-risk contact farms. This proactive approach aims to mitigate further outbreaks effectively.

International Response: Bird Flu Outbreaks in Germany

Bird flu cases were also confirmed near Kleve in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, coinciding with the Dutch outbreak. As a precaution, Germany has established a restriction zone that overlaps into the Netherlands. Minister Femke Wiersma of Agriculture announced a restriction area around Millingen aan de Rijn and east of Groesbeek, complete with a travel ban to contain viral dissemination.

On November 21 and 26, surveillance zones were initiated in this region in response to prior outbreaks, underscoring the need for vigilance as countries strive to safeguard their poultry populations.

What This Means for Farmers

For farmers, understanding these developments is crucial. The risk of bird flu not only impacts poultry health but also affects market prices and the livelihoods of many involved in agriculture. It's essential that farmers adhere strictly to biosecurity measures and stay informed about ongoing surveillance and reporting obligations. This collective effort is vital for protecting the industry and ensuring the continuity of poultry agriculture.

Next Steps for Agriculture Community

As the bird flu situation develops, agricultural communities need to be prepared for potential shifts in regulations and guidelines. Staying informed about changes from authorities like the NVWA will be critical. Farmers should engage with their peers and local agricultural organizations to share best practices and monitor the situation closely.