Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in mute swans – update



Update: October 31, 2020
The measures regarding avian influenza (bird flu) are adjusted. The full overview can be found here (Dutch).

Update: October 23, 2020
The minister of Agrculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) will impose an indoor confinement obligation for all birds that are kept for commercial purposes in the Netherlands on 23 October 2020 at 00:00.
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/10/22/landelijke-ophokplicht-voor-commercieel-gehouden-pluimvee ( in Dutch)

October 21, 2020
The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 is confirmed in two dead mute swans in Kockengen, in the province of Utrecht. More information can be found on the website of WBVR:
https://www.wur.nl/en/Research-Results/Research-Institutes/Bioveterinary-Research/show-bvr/Highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-H5N8-found-in-wild-mute-swans.htm

People in the field report signals of unusual high mortality among waterfowl. Thanks to these reports, the presence of the HPAIH5N8 in mute swans in Kockengen was detected. Possible measures preventing avian influenza outbreaks on poultry farms, are put in place by the government after a risk assessment. (https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/10/21/vogelgriep-vastgesteld-bij-wilde-zwanen-in-kockengen).

Where to report dead wild birds (and waterfowl)?
More than three waterbirds (swans, ducks, geese) found in the same place should be reported to the NVWA for avian influenza monitoring via telephone: 045 546 31 88.

More information about the bird flu and former outbreaks can be found under avian influenza (https://www.dwhc-dev.wp.hum.uu.nl/en/diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu/)

More information about reporting dead birds  (Dutch): https://www.dwhc-dev.wp.hum.uu.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/438/2020/09/Vogelsterftekaart_31-aug_2020.pdf

Request to report dead waterfowl: Meld dode watervogels in verband met vogelgriep | Sovon.nl (Dutch)