Current situation of bird flu outbreak: first positive test results



Since early October, the DWHC has been receiving reports of increased mortality and abnormal behavior among wild birds in the north of the Netherlands. Birds from across the country have been sent by the DWHC to the WBVR to test for bird flu.

So far in October, the DWHC has sent 49 birds to the WBVR for testing. Dead wild birds are still being collected to closely monitor the situation. So far, there have been eight positive test results: four Greylag geese, one Barnacle goose, one Greater Canada goose, one Mute swan, and one Egyptian goose. These birds were found in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Flevoland, Overijssel, Gelderland, North-Holland, and Zeeland (see distribution map). Follow the updates on bird flu tests in 2025 per month here.

Distribution map of wild birds tested for bird flu in 1-23 October 2025

The situation among poultry farms

Since October 16, a nationwide indoor and screen-off requirement has been in effect in the Netherlands. On October 22, bird flu was found at a laying hen rearing farm in Dodewaard, in the province of Gelderland. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will cull the 161,000 birds to prevent the spread of the virus. A transport ban is also in effect immediately within the 10-kilometer zone around the farm.

In early October, bird flu was also found at a broiler breeder farm in Gasselternijveenschemond, Drenthe. The NVWA also culled the 71,000 birds at this farm and established restricted zones.

Remain cautious

Bird flu is a zoonosis, which means the disease can potentially be transmitted from animal to human. It is therefore important to be cautious when approaching sick or dead wild birds and to follow hygiene measures. If you find a dead animal that you want to have collected for post-mortem investigation, it is important that the animal is double-bagged in plastic and is never touched with bare hands. A guide on how to handle wild animal with bird flu can be found on the website of the government: Guidelines for handling wild animals with avian influenza (in Dutch).