Avian flu has been detected at a poultry farm in Blije, near Holwert. Approximately 63,000 broiler chickens at the farm will be culled to prevent the virus’s spread.
The chickens are housed in three barns, according to Omrop Fryslân. This marks the second major avian flu outbreak at a poultry farm this year.
There are 13 other poultry farms in the vicinity, with one less than a kilometer away. The NVWA is closely monitoring these farms.
A transport ban is in place within a ten-kilometer zone around the farm, prohibiting the movement of birds, hatching, and table eggs to prevent the spread of avian flu to other parts of the country. On November 20, Minister Wiersma imposed a nationwide indoor confinement obligation for poultry farms following the first avian flu case this year at an organic chicken farm in Putten, Gelderland, where 23,000 chickens were culled.
Under this obligation, all birds must remain indoors, and only veterinarians and staff may visit the farms. Minister Wiersma acknowledged the impact on free-range and hobby poultry farmers but emphasized the importance of preventing further outbreaks.
The Blije area has experienced frequent avian flu incidents, with several hundred thousand chickens culled two years ago.
Source: NOS