Politics · Netherlands · 10 hrs ago
Government orders nationwide bird flu precautions after three outbreaks
The government has ordered birds kept indoors or shielded nationwide after three bird flu outbreaks this week.
The outbreaks are the first recorded since July this year.
The measure applies across the country, though the affected locations and types of birds are not specified.
Keeping birds indoors or shielded is intended to limit their exposure to bird flu.
The decision comes after three outbreaks in one week.
The nationwide requirement is now in place.
The Dutch government has imposed a nationwide housing requirement for poultry after three bird flu outbreaks.
The virus was detected in Lutjegast, Middelie and Grootegast.
Hobby bird keepers are exempt from the housing requirement but must keep their birds screened off.
A visitor ban will apply again at places with birds, and birds considered a risk may not be exhibited.
The government says the measures are intended to limit contact between kept birds and potentially infected wild birds.
- Who
- The Dutch government, with State Secretary for Agriculture Erkens announcing the measure.
- What
- A nationwide housing requirement for poultry is in force. Hobby bird keepers must screen off their birds.
- When
- Immediately, according to the report published on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- The Netherlands.
- Why
- Three bird flu outbreaks occurred in a short period, and migrating birds are increasing the risk of the virus spreading.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bird flu was detected in Lutjegast, Middelie and Grootegast.
The government announced that a nationwide housing requirement for poultry would take effect immediately.
- Outbreak locations
- Lutjegast and Grootegast, Groningen; Middelie, North Holland
- Outbreak count
- Three
- Hobby bird keepers
- Exempt from the housing requirement, but must screen off their birds
- Other measures
- Visitor ban at places with birds; birds considered a risk may not be exhibited
2 sources
What people are saying
It is important to limit contact between kept birds and potentially infected wild birds as much as possible.
This is how we do everything we can to prevent new outbreaks.