Netherlands orders poultry indoors nationwide after bird-flu outbreaks

The Netherlands has imposed a nationwide order requiring poultry to be kept indoors after three bird-flu outbreaks in a short period. The measure took effect immediately, according to a report by ANP carried by Nieuws.nl.

State secretary for agriculture Silvio Erkens also ordered hobby keepers to protect their chickens and other birds from infection as far as possible. The report gives no further details about the outbreaks or how long the restrictions will remain in force.

The new order follows recent outbreaks at farms in Lutjegast, Groningen, and Middelie, North Holland. Authorities said about 45,000 birds would be culled at the Lutjegast farm, while around 150 chickens were due to be culled at the care farm in Middelie. Earlier reporting on the Lutjegast outbreak and the Middelie case described transport restrictions around both sites.