According to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the outbreak was first reported on March 11, with 200 birds showing symptoms on a farm in Lochem, Gelderland. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, carried out by national laboratory of the Central Veterinary Institute in Lelystad, confirmed the presence of the H7N7 bird flu strain.

All 80,152 chickens on the farm were destroyed as part of control measures by authorities, which also included the establishment of movement controls and a one-kilometre protection zone around the farm. Three premises will be screened within the radius.

Hong Kong quickly banned poultry imports from Lochem following news of the outbreak. The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Health Department said that all poultry and poultry products, including eggs, had been banned, and that authorities had contacted veterinary services in the Netherlands for more information.

"We have contacted the Netherlands authorities for more details on the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) on the avian influenza outbreak in the Netherlands. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," a CFS spokesman added.