Poultry and birds from registered holdings must be shielded from wild birds. Feeding and watering must occur indoors or under netting, a rule that also applies to private keepers. The use of untreated surface water or rainwater is prohibited. The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) and Minister of Agriculture David Clarinval recommend applying these measures proactively.
While private keepers are not under a general mandatory shielding obligation for now, it is strongly advised to protect hobby poultry and aviary birds preventively against contact with wild birds, for example, by netting chicken coops or aviaries.
The FAVV notes an increasing virus pressure, with several infected wild birds detected in Belgium in recent weeks. The risk of further spread is expected to remain high in the coming months. Citizens who find a dead bird are asked not to touch it and to report it via the free number 0800 99 777. Dogs should also be kept away from sick or dead birds.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting many bird species, primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals or contaminated material like droppings. The risk of human infection is very small, and no human-to-human transmission has been recorded globally to date.
More information about avian influenza and the applicable measures can be found on the FAVV website.
