New Measures Take Effect Across Belgium
Belgium has enacted stringent new measures to curb the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, following recent detections of the H5N1 strain. Effective Thursday, October 23, 2025, all commercial and Sanitel-registered poultry farms across the country are mandated to keep their birds indoors. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) announced these reinforced precautions after outbreaks were confirmed in West Flanders and Liège.
Confirmed Outbreaks and Containment Efforts
The decision to implement nationwide restrictions comes after the confirmation of H5N1 avian influenza at a commercial poultry farm in Houthulst, West Flanders, and a hobby premises in Welkenraedt, Liège. The outbreak in West Flanders, specifically on a turkey farm near Diksmuide, led to the culling of the entire 67,110-strong flock after 319 birds died from the virus. In response to the Houthulst incident, authorities have established a 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone around the affected farm to prevent further dissemination of the virus.
Mandatory Confinement and Biosecurity Protocols
Under the new regulations, commercial and Sanitel-registered farms must ensure that all poultry and other captive birds are housed indoors. Key biosecurity measures now include:
- Mandatory indoor confinement for all poultry and captive birds.
- Feeding and watering birds indoors or under protective nets.
- A strict prohibition on using untreated surface water or rainwater for poultry and wild bird watering.
Regional Context and Official Statements
Belgium's move aligns with a broader trend across Europe, as neighboring countries like the Netherlands and France have also recently introduced similar measures to combat increasing bird flu cases. David Clarinval, Belgium's Minister of Agriculture, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, 'This first infection on a commercial farm, as well as the contamination in a hobby keeper, clearly shows that avian flu is back in our country.' He emphasized that 'The season is starting and viral pressure will accelerate/increase in the coming months. I therefore call for everyone's vigilance and the rigorous application of biosecurity measures.' The FASFC noted that the measures were strengthened due to an 'increasing number of infections in wild birds' in recent weeks, indicating the presence of the disease in the country. The H5N1 strain is highly pathogenic for birds but poses a very low risk to humans, with no cases of human-to-human transmission observed globally to date.
7 Comments
Raphael
Total overreaction. This will devastate local farms.
Michelangelo
While the need for strict biosecurity is clear given the outbreaks, the economic burden on small farmers from nationwide confinement could be severe. Support programs should be considered alongside these mandates.
Raphael
While these restrictions are a quick fix to curb immediate spread, they don't address the root causes of recurring outbreaks. More investment in preventative research and robust, sustainable farm practices is also essential.
Michelangelo
It's understandable to implement these measures to control H5N1, especially with rising wild bird infections. However, the long-term welfare implications of mandatory indoor confinement for all poultry deserve careful ethical consideration.
Raphael
Unnecessary panic for a low-risk human disease. Focus on economic recovery!
BuggaBoom
Absolutely necessary. We can't risk a widespread epidemic.
Raphael
The low risk to human health is a relief, and preventing avian spread is important for food security. Yet, the intense confinement could lead to other health issues for the birds themselves, requiring vigilant monitoring.