October 30, 2020

35,700 chickens to be culled in the Netherlands after bird flu detected

The Dutch government said animal health authorities will cull 37,500 broiler chickens following the discovery of H5N8 bird flu at a farm in Altforst town, central Netherlands, Reuters reported.

This comes a few days after a pair of wild swans were confirmed positive for H5N8. Poultry farmers in the country have been ordered to keep their birds indoors to prevent the spread of the virus from wild birds.

The Netherlands is Europe's biggest chicken meat and egg exporter, with its poultry industry valued at US$1.9 billion. 10,000 people work in the sector on 2,000 farms.

The government imposed a transportation ban on live birds, eggs, and other farm products within a 10km radius from the infected farm. There are 25 farms in the surrounding area.

Bird flu tests were also conducted on poultry businesses within 3km of the infected location.

-      Reuters