nuOct 28, 2026, 17:26

Nationwide mandatory housing order for poultry issued immediately following three bird flu outbreaks

A nationwide indoor housing obligation for commercial poultry has been issued by the Dutch government following three confirmed bird flu outbreaks. These measures aim to protect livestock from wild birds during the peak autumn migration period.

The Dutch government has implemented an immediate nationwide housing obligation for commercial poultry following three confirmed cases of bird flu. Outbreaks were recently identified in Lutjegast, Grootegast, and Middelie. State Secretary Silvio Erkens introduced these measures to mitigate animal suffering and protect the agricultural sector, as the risk of transmission increases during the autumn migration of wild birds.

Under these new rules, commercial poultry must be kept indoors to prevent contact with wild birds, though exceptions exist for pheasants and ratites which require shielding rather than full confinement. Hobbyists are also only subject to shielding requirements. Authorities emphasized that these regulations are a preventative step intended to manage the rising number of infections observed across Europe and within the Netherlands as migratory patterns bring the virus into the region.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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