WattAgNet: Avian influenza hits Dutch layer farm of 12,000 hens

Free-range hens are euthanized amid H5N2 outbreak
Release Date: 2015-04-08
Low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza has been confirmed in a flock of free-range layer hens in the Netherlands. An estimated 12,000 susceptible birds were in the flock, and all of them have been euthanized.

According to a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the outbreak occurred at a farm in Milheeze, in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant.

Testing was conducted at the Central Veterinary Institute in Lelystad, with the results proving positive for H5N2 avian influenza.

While none of the birds at the farm died as a result of contracting the virus, all were destroyed. Other control measures applied include movement control, screening and zoning. OIE reported that one other farm is located within the 1-kilometer restriction zone that was established, and that premise has been screened.

The source of the avian influenza infection is inconclusive at this time.

The Milheeze avian influenza outbreak follows an earlier report of low pathogenic avian influenza at another farm in the Netherlands. In that case, reported by OIE on March 27, a layer flock of 22,273 hens tested positive for low pathogenic H7 avian influenza. All hens at that farm, located in the province of Friesland, were euthanized.

OIE stated that it will continue to provide updates on both Dutch avian influenza cases until they are resolved.