All poultry, including hobby poultry, must be housed or screened to avoid direct contact with wild birds. This does not apply to ratites. Feed and drinking water may only be provided indoors or in a protected manner. It is forbidden to give birds drinking water from surface water or rainwater that wild birds have had access to, unless the water has been pre-treated.
The movement of poultry, hobby poultry, other kept birds, and hatching eggs to and from bird facilities within the surveillance zone is prohibited. Gatherings such as markets, fairs, exhibitions, and competitions are also cancelled.
Keepers must remain vigilant for signs of illness. Increased mortality, clear health problems, or a sharp decline in production must be reported immediately to the local control units (LCE) of the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV). Visitor numbers must be limited, and hygiene is crucial. Appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended to prevent disease spread.
For registered hobby holdings (Sanitel), specific rules apply: submitting an inventory of all present birds to the FAVV within 24 hours, restricting access to necessary persons, applying strict biosecurity measures, keeping a visitor log, and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and equipment before departure. The removal of table eggs is prohibited, except to approved egg packing stations or processing plants using specific packaging. Carcasses may only be disposed of for collection by Rendac or for laboratory analysis. Manure and litter cannot be removed. Birds must be checked at least twice daily, and a veterinarian must be contacted immediately if symptoms of illness appear.
Unregistered hobby holdings must also restrict access, apply strict biosecurity measures, and maintain a log of visitors. The removal of table eggs is prohibited.
Hatcheries and egg packing stations may only be entered by essential personnel who must comply with the prescribed biosecurity measures. Vehicles and equipment departing for poultry farms must be cleaned and disinfected.
For consignded facilities, such as zoos and animal parks, an inventory must be provided to the FAVV within 24 hours, access to bird enclosures must be limited, strict biosecurity measures must be applied for any contact with birds, and visitors must have controlled access near the birds.
More information on the applicable measures and contact details for the FAVV can be found at www.favv.be.
