Monthly overview bird flu 2026
The outbreak of avian influenza among wild birds that began in November 2024 has continued in 2025. In 2026 we keep closely following this outbreak. The DWHC is working together with Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in the research on avian influenza. The DWHC regularly receives reports of dead wild birds. Some of these birds were suitable for research and were collected and tested for infection with avian influenza at the WBVR. On this page you can follow the latest updates on avian influenza test results in 2026 per month. Click here for the monthly overview of bird flu tests in 2025.
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.
Additionally, Erasmus MC has found 27 positive test results in January (see table below).
| Bird species | Location | Province | Status (alive/dead) | Sampling date |
| Mallard | Zwaagdijk | North-Holland | Alive | 1-1-2026 |
| Eurasian Teal | Zwaagdijk | North-Holland | Alive | 9-1-2026 |
| Eurasian wigeon | Hippolytushoef | North-Holland | Alive | 11-1-2026 |
| Mallard | Lithse | North-Brabant | Alive | 14-1-2026 |
| Mallard | Hippolytushoef | North-Holland | Alive | 14-1-2026 |
| Mallard | Hippolytushoef | North-Holland | Alive | 14-1-2026 |
| European Herring Gull | Groningen | Groningen | Alive | 17-1-2026 |
| Eurasian Teal | Asten | North-Brabant | Alive | 17-1-2026 |
| European Herring Gull | Waddenhaven | North-Holland | Dead | 18-1-2026 |
| Mallard | Lithse | North-Brabant | Alive | 19-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Rhoon van Buijtenland | South-Holland | Dead | 20-1-2026 |
| Greylag Goose | Rhoon van Buijtenland | South-Holland | Dead | 20-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Strijen | South-Holland | Dead | 23-1-2026 |
| Mallard | Hippolytushoef | North-Holland | Alive | 20-1-2026 |
| Greater White-fronted Goose | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Alive | 22-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Barnacle Goose | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Black-headed Gull | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Common Gull | Enkhuizen | North-Holland | Dead | 22-1-2026 |
| Eurasian wigeon | Hippolytushoef | North-Holland | Alive | 25-1-2026 |
| Eurasian wigeon | Stolwijk | South-Holland | Alive | 25-1-2026 |
| Eurasian wigeon | Stolwijk | South-Holland | Alive | 25-1-2026 |
| Eurasian Teal | Zwaagdijk | North-Holland | Alive | 28-1-2026 |
From 1 to 24 February, the DWHC sent 58 dead wild birds to the WBVR for avian influenza testing. Some birds are still being examined and more birds will be collected. Up until now, 17 tests came back positive: 8 ducks, geese, and swans; 3 other waterbirds; and 6 birds of prey This page will be updated as soon as new test results are in.
From 1 to 24 February, avian influenza was found in poultry farms in the provinces of North-Brabant 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.
