Monthly overview bird flu 2026

In January, the DWHC sent 82 dead wild birds to the WBVR for avian influenza testing. Of these birds, 40 tested positive: 24 ducks, geese, and swans; 8 other waterbirds; and 8 birds of prey.

In January, avian influenza was found in poultry farms in the provinces of Drenthe, Flevoland, Gelderland, North-Brabant, and South-Holland. The national government has taken various measures against avian influenza. A nationwide indoor and outdoor screening requirement has been in effect in the Netherlands since October 16th 2025. In the event of a bird flu outbreak in poultry, the government imposes a transport ban to prevent the spread of the virus. Click here for a current overview of the areas where a transport ban is in effect. It is not possible for the DWHC to collect wild birds from these areas for research. For more information about avian influenza in captive animals, visit the Dutch government website.

Distribution map of reports of dead wild birds in the Netherlands

The DWHC, together with Sovon, Waarneming.nl, and the Bird Flu App, monitors where dead wild birds have been found in the Netherlands. The focus is mainly on bird species at risk for avian influenza, but other bird species are also included. The map below provides a national overview of bird mortality in January 2026.

Additionally, Erasmus MC has found 27 positive test results in January (see table below).

In February, the DWHC sent 74 dead wild birds to the WBVR for avian influenza testing. One bird is still being examined. Up until now, 29 tests came back positive: 14 ducks, geese, and swans; 7 other waterbirds; and 8 birds of prey. This page will be updated as soon as the last test result is in.

In February, avian influenza was found in poultry farms in the provinces of North-Brabant, Gelderland, and Groningen. The national government has taken various measures against avian influenza. A nationwide indoor and outdoor screening requirement has been in effect in the Netherlands since October 16th 2025. In the event of a bird flu outbreak in poultry, the government imposes a transport ban to prevent the spread of the virus. Click here for a current overview of the areas where a transport ban is in effect. It is not possible for the DWHC to collect wild birds from these areas for research. For more information about avian influenza in captive animals, visit the Dutch government website.

Distribution map of reports of dead wild birds in the Netherlands

The DWHC, together with Sovon, Waarneming.nl, and the Bird Flu App, monitors where dead wild birds have been found in the Netherlands. The focus is mainly on bird species at risk for avian influenza, but other bird species are also included. The map below provides a national overview of bird mortality in February 2026.

From 1-17 March, the DWHC sent 24 dead wild birds to the WBVR for avian influenza testing. Many birds are still being examined and more birds will be collected. So far, one bird has tested positive: a Greater Canada Goose from the province of Zeeland. This page will be updated as soon new as test results are in.

From 1-17 March, avian influenza was found in poultry farms in the province of Gelderland. The national government has taken various measures against avian influenza. A nationwide indoor and outdoor screening requirement has been in effect in the Netherlands since October 16th 2025. In the event of a bird flu outbreak in poultry, the government imposes a transport ban to prevent the spread of the virus. Click here for a current overview of the areas where a transport ban is in effect. It is not possible for the DWHC to collect wild birds from these areas for research. For more information about avian influenza in captive animals, visit the Dutch government website.