Belgium Grapples with Rising H5 Avian Influenza Cases Across Multiple Provinces

Avian Influenza Outbreaks Intensify in Belgium

Belgium is currently facing a significant increase in H5 avian influenza cases, with recent detections reported in several provinces, notably Limburg and Namur. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) has confirmed these outbreaks, leading to heightened monitoring and stringent control measures across the affected regions.

The resurgence of the H5 strain follows Belgium's brief period of 'free status' from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which was regained on May 23, 2025, but subsequently lost after new infections emerged in late October 2025.

Affected Regions and Immediate Responses

In the province of Namur, a poultry farm in La Bruyère tested positive for the H5 subtype, marking the second confirmed outbreak in that province. Another incident involved a poultry farm in Gembloux, where approximately 12,000 birds were affected and subsequently culled.

Limburg has also seen multiple infections, with three poultry farms reporting cases in recent days. Specific locations include Kinrooi (Molenbeersel), where 28,000 birds were culled, and Dilsen-Stokkem. A second farm in Pelt was also evacuated as a precautionary measure due to the rapid spread of the virus in the province.

In response to these outbreaks, authorities have established 3-kilometer protection zones and 10-kilometer surveillance zones around each affected site. Within these zones, specific control measures are being enforced to prevent further dissemination of the virus.

Mandatory Housing and Biosecurity Measures

Agriculture Minister David Clarinval (MR) has reinstated the mandatory housing of all poultry, a requirement that applies to both professional and registered hobby keepers. This measure, which was strengthened on October 23, 2025, aims to minimize contact between domestic birds and wild birds, which are often carriers of the virus.

The FASFC advises poultry owners to implement strict biosecurity measures, including:

• Minimizing exposure to wild birds by covering outdoor runs and aviaries.
• Feeding and watering poultry indoors or under nets.
• Avoiding the use of untreated surface water for poultry.

The agency also urges the public not to handle dead or sick birds and to report any findings immediately to local authorities for proper collection and testing.

Impact and International Response

The Natuurhulpcentrum wildlife rescue center in Limburg has reported a significant increase in call-outs, responding to approximately ten cases per day, highlighting the virus's impact on wild bird populations.

Internationally, the outbreaks have led to actions such as Hong Kong halting poultry meat and product imports, including eggs, from Belgium's Limburg Province. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) was notified of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in Limburg.

While the risk of transmission to humans is generally rated as low for the general European population by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), it is considered low to medium for occupationally exposed groups. Authorities emphasize that human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been observed.