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Belgium Agriculture Minister David Clarinval arrives at a meeting gathering selected ministers of Belgium\u2019s federal government on 13 October 2025 in Brussels. Credit: MARIUS BURGELMAN\/BELGA MAG\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n
Belgium is the latest European country to introduce stricter measures to curb bird flu following detections on a commercial site and a hobby holding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The country\u2019s Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) said yesterday (22 October) it was \u201cstrengthening protective measures\u201d from today after an \u201cincreasing number of infections in wild birds\u201d in recent weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed at a commercial poultry farm in Houthulst, West Flanders, and at a hobby premises in Welkenraedt, Li\u00e8ge, the agency said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Birds at the Houthulst site are being culled to limit further spread.\u00a0<\/p>\n Authorities have established a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone around the Houthulst outbreak.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Under the new restrictions, effective today (23 October), all commercial and Sanitel-registered farms in Belgium are required to confine poultry\/birds, feed and water them indoors or under nets, and must not use untreated surface or rainwater for poultry\/wild bird watering.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n David Clarinval, Belgium\u2019s Minister of Agriculture, said: \u201cThis 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe season is starting and viral pressure will accelerate\/increase in the coming months. I therefore call for everyone\u2019s vigilance and the rigorous application of biosecurity measures.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n According to the FASFC, infections among wild birds have climbed again in recent weeks, first along the coast and now across the country.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAt the end of last week, the first case of infection of the season was detected in a hobby breeder in Welkenraedt,\u201d it added.\u00a0<\/p>\n Germany, the Netherlands and France are also reporting more cases in wild birds and outbreaks in poultry.\u00a0<\/p>\n On Tuesday (21 October), France announced a similar move, which came after measures in the Netherlands last week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n FASFC described avian influenza as a highly contagious viral disease affecting almost all bird species.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Disease severity varies by strain, environment and concurrent infections.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Transmission can occur through contact with infected birds or contaminated materials, such as manure or soiled crates.\u00a0<\/p>\n It noted that mammals can be infected in rare instances, for example after consuming carcasses of infected birds or through close exposure to the virus.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cContamination in humans is exceptional,\u201d the agency said, adding: \u201cTo date, no cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus have been observed anywhere in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n \n Sign up for our daily news round-up! Just Food Excellence Awards – The Benefits of Entering<\/p>\n Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards<\/a> celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don\u2019t miss your chance to stand out\u2014submit your entry today!<\/p>\n
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