Between early October and late November 2025, dozens of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were confirmed in the Netherlands.
Since 7 October, there have been reports from hobby farmers, commercial poultry farms and laying hen rearing farms throughout the country, as well as just across the border in Belgium and Germany. On 24 November, the virus was detected at a broiler farm in Holwierde (Groningen) and at a laying hen farm in Terschuur (Gelderland).
Later, on 26 November, three new infections followed: in Tienray (broilers, Limburg), Helden (laying hens, Limburg) and Bornerbroek (broilers, Overijssel). Protection and surveillance zones have been established around each affected farm, and within the 10-kilometre zones, a transport ban on poultry, eggs, manure, used litter and other animal products from farms with birds is in effect with immediate effect.
Although the number of reports is high, the virus is spreading relatively slowly. There are hundreds of companies in the Netherlands, but the outbreaks remain limited to dozens of locations. Many reports concern smaller companies or hobbyists; the NVWA transparently publishes every confirmed outbreak, which reinforces the impression of “many reports”. This is typical for the high-risk season during bird migration from October to January.
In seasons with high avian influenza activity, such as 2022–2023, there were sometimes large outbreaks with rapidly increasing numbers of infected commercial farms. This year, we are seeing many reports, but few large-scale clusters or rapid chain infections.
For red meat slaughterhouses, the virus does not directly infect cattle and pigs, but strict biosecurity measures must be observed. Extra vigilance at the washing area, at the entrance to the premises and when cleaning vehicles and equipment remains essential to prevent the virus being introduced via indirect routes.
Companies can follow the latest reports on the NVWA website: Where does avian influenza occur? | Avian influenza | NVWA
