WattAgNet: Dutch avian influenza surveillance zone lifted

Written September 27, 2016 By Roy Graber
Cause of low pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza case has not been determined

Cleansing and disinfection procedures have been completed at a poultry farm in the Netherlands, where two flocks of chickens chickens were affected by low pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza, the country’s chief veterinary officer reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). In the same report, it was announced that a 1-kilometer surveillance zone had been lifted.

The outbreak, which occurred at Hiaure in the Friesland province in the northern portion of the country, was initially reported to the OIE on June 10, in which none of the susceptible birds died, but all 44,630 birds between the two flocks were stamped out. Both flocks had access to outdoor areas, the agriculture ministry reported.

Prior to the report of this particular case, the last report of low pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza in the Netherlands took place in March 2015. The source of the most recent infection has not yet been determined, according to the OIE.

OIE stated that while the control zone has been lifted and the affected farm has been depopulated and disinfected, that it does not consider the case to be resolve. OIE will continue to submit routine reports on the Dutch avian influenza situation until it is resolved.