The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian flu of the H5N1 type at a hobby poultry keeper in Balen. Consequently, a 3-kilometer protection zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance zone have been established, which partly extend into the municipality of Mol.
The implemented measures, effective since October 5, 2026, aim to prevent further spread of the virus. Keepers of (hobby) poultry and other birds are advised to check the FAVV map to determine their zone and applicable measures.
The 3-kilometer protection zone in Mol primarily encompasses large parts of the center, as well as the hamlets of Heidehuizen and Gompel. The 10-kilometer surveillance zone covers almost the entire territory of Mol, with the exception of parts of Postel.
Within the protection zone, poultry, hobby poultry, and other kept birds must remain indoors or be enclosed to prevent contact with wild birds, excluding ratites. Feed and water must be provided indoors or protected from wild birds. The use of surface water or rainwater accessible to wild birds for drinking is prohibited unless treated. Moving poultry, hatching eggs, and other kept birds from or to an establishment within the zone is not permitted. Markets, fairs, and exhibitions involving birds are prohibited.
Measures also apply within the surveillance zone. Kept birds must remain indoors or be enclosed. Rules also cover feeding, watering, movement of birds and hatching eggs, and gatherings involving birds.
For professional poultry farms and registered/unregistered hobby keepers, additional measures apply concerning access, hygiene, visitor registration, and the disposal of eggs, manure, and dead birds. Specific rules vary by type of holding and zone.
Hobby keepers noticing increased mortality or other disease symptoms in their animals must immediately contact their veterinarian. Suspicious mortality in wild birds can be reported via the Influenza hotline (0800 99 777) or email (influenza@favv-afsca.be).
The measures remain in effect until lifted by the FAVV. The most current information, maps, and regulations are available on the FAVV website.
