News release | 02-02-2026 | 11:41
In Dalen (municipality of Coevorden, province of Drenthe) avian influenza has been confirmed at a layer hen farm. To prevent spread of the virus, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Safety and Nature (LVVN) has decided that the approximately 15,000 chickens at the site will be culled by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
Within the 3‑kilometre zone there is one poultry establishment. However, this establishment is empty because it was culled due to a previous avian influenza infection (4 December 2025). Within the 10‑kilometre zone there are eight other poultry establishments.
Transport ban
A transport ban is now in effect throughout the entire 10‑kilometre zone. This means that from locations with birds in this zone, no birds, hatching eggs and/or table eggs may be transported. A ban also applies to the removal of bird manure and used litter. These measures are necessary to prevent spread to other parts of the country. Other animals than birds and their products may still be exported to or imported from locations with birds, provided this is done in accordance with the strict conditions of the hygiene protocol.
The location of the 10‑kilometre zone can be viewed on the animal disease viewer of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Read the full report on the Government website.
For questions about the culling, journalists can contact the NVWA press service team at (088) 22 33 700.
For questions about avian influenza policy, journalists can contact the spokespersons of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Safety and Nature.