Dutch to cull 201,000 chickens to slow avian influenza spread
Twelve cases have been reported this month alone
27 September 2022
1 minute read
By: The Netherlands plans to cull around 201,000 chickens on a farm in the northern city of Emmen after the detection of a highly infectious strain of avian influenza, Reuters reported, citing the government on Monday.
Twelve cases of the highly lethal form of avian influenza have been reported in the Netherlands this month, following dozens of cases earlier in the year.
France has also seen a resurgence in cases after experiencing its worst-ever wave earlier this year.
The spread of avian influenza around the globe has raised concerns among governments and the poultry industry due to its ability to ravage flocks, generate trade restrictions and the risk of human transmission.
The risk to humans is considered low, but past outbreaks among farm birds have needed extensive culling programmes to contain them.
