News report | 02-02-2026 | 11:36
In Wadenoijen (municipality of Tiel, province of Gelderland) avian influenza has been confirmed at an animal trade facility with approximately 325 birds and a few other mammals. To prevent spread of the virus, the infected animals are being culled on site by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).
A large number of bird species are kept at the location. Under European legislation it is possible to deviate from the obligation to cull all birds at an infected premises when the animals have high genetic, cultural or educational value, or when the animals are species that are threatened with extinction. In this case, culling all present birds would not be proportionate. Therefore, a careful assessment is made of which animals will and will not be culled. Birds that are not culled are kept separately and will be retested at a later stage.
A restriction zone is established around the infected premises. Within the entire 10 km restriction zone around the infected site, there are 10 commercial poultry farms. Some of these farms are also located within the restriction zone around Kesteren (January 2026).
Transport ban
A transport ban is in effect immediately 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. Animals other than birds and their products may still be moved to 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 announcement on the Rijksoverheid website.
For questions about avian influenza control, journalists can contact the NVWA press information team at (088) 22 33 700.
For questions about policy regarding avian influenza, journalists can contact the spokespersons of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.