Netherlands and Germany implement biosecurity measures amid avian influenza outbreaks

The Netherlands and Germany have introduced strict biosecurity measures following recent outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1) in domestic poultry.

In the Netherlands, Agriculture State Secretary Silvio Erkens announced a nationwide mandate for commercial poultry to be kept in stalls. For private or hobbyist owners of high-risk birds, a shielding requirement has been implemented to minimize contact with potentially infected wild birds. These measures follow confirmed outbreaks in Lutjegast, Middelie, and Grootegast, the latter involving a layer hen farm where approximately 51,000 birds were subject to government orders.

In Germany, the state of Schleswig-Holstein reinstated a general biosecurity order on October 27, 2026, after three confirmed H5N1 outbreaks in the districts of Nordfriesland, Segeberg, and Schleswig-Flensburg. Agriculture Minister Cornelia Schmachtenberg warned of a potentially severe outbreak in the coming weeks. The German order requires keepers to disinfect footwear and hands before entering poultry houses and prohibits the movement of birds through markets or fairs to prevent further spread.