Belgium detects new outbreak of H5 bird flu on Diksmuide farm and expands restriction zone with immediate slaughter By Bruna
5 min read
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Agência Federal to Segurança of Cadeia Alimentar (FASFC) announced the detection of a new outbreak of H5 type avian influenza in a poultry farm located in The outbreak was confirmed this Monday, January 19, 2026, and all birds in the area are being slaughtered to prevent the spread of the virus.
The affected farm is within the restricted zone of Furnes-Alveringem, which was expanded in response to the new case. Medidas of mandatory confinement were reinforced for commercial and private breeders within a radius of 10 kilometers, while stricter restrictions apply to the area of 3 kilometers.
Avian flu has seen an increase in cases in recent weeks in Bélgica and neighboring countries. Desde autumn 2025, the country has already recorded outbreaks in 19 commercial farms and two amateur breeders, in addition to numerous infections in wild birds.
Immediate containment measures
Belgian authorities began the preventive slaughter of birds on the infected farm shortly after laboratory confirmation of the H5 virus. Esse procedure follows European protocols for rapid eradication of the outbreak and prevention of contagion to other farms.
The 3-kilometer protection zone around the site requires complete containment of all birds, including non-commercial species. Já the 10-kilometer surveillance zone imposes intensive monitoring and restrictions on the movement of poultry, eggs and derived products.
- Mandatory confinement in closed facilities for all birds;
- Prohibition of poultry fairs and exhibitions in the affected area;
- Rigorous disinfection of vehicles and equipment entering or leaving the farms.
These actions aim to interrupt the transmission chain, especially in regions with high density of poultry production.
Epidemiological situation in Bélgica
The new outbreak at Diksmuide represents the 20th case on commercial farms since the current wave began last fall. FASFC has maintained constant surveillance since October 2025, when national confinement was enacted after cases were detected in wild birds.
Infections in wild animals remain frequent, acting as a natural reservoir of the virus. Migratórias from the north of Europa contribute to the periodic introduction of the pathogen into Belgian territories.
The federal agency reinforced communication with breeders to ensure adherence to biosecurity standards. Monitoramentos weekly on high-risk farms help to identify possible infections early.
Context of outbreaks in Europa
Countries neighboring Bélgica face a similar situation with multiple outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Comissão Europeia has updated restriction zones on several Estados-members throughout 2025 and early 2026.
France, Alemanha and Países Baixos have recorded massive bird culls in recent months. Na Itália, dozens of outbreaks were confirmed between December 2025 and January 2026, mainly affecting northern regions.
Autoridade Europeia to Segurança of Alimentos (EFSA) points to a record number of cases in wild birds during the period. Esse increase reflects altered migratory patterns and greater viral circulation on the continent.
- Germany surpassed outbreak numbers from the last three years;
- France implemented preventive national confinement;
- Countries Baixos slaughtered millions of birds in 2025.
The rapid spread worries European health authorities due to the possibility of prolonged impacts on production.
Characteristics of the H5 virus
The H5 subtype identified in the Belgian outbreak belongs to the highly pathogenic lineage known as H5N1. Esse virus causes high mortality in poultry, with symptoms such as edema, hemorrhages and respiratory depression.
Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with infected secretions or via the air in closed environments. Aves Aquatic migrants act as asymptomatic vectors, spreading the pathogen over long distances.
Although the risk of transmission to humans remains low, sporadic cases have been reported globally. Organização Mundial of Saúde Animal (WOAH) monitors mutations that could increase adaptability to the human host.
Recent research indicates the circulation of recombinant variants in Europa. Essas developments require constant updating of vaccines and control strategies.
Recommended biosecurity protocols
Breeders must adopt strict measures to protect their flocks against the introduction of the virus. Alimentação and water supply must occur exclusively in covered areas, avoiding contact with external birds.
Access control to facilities includes disinfection of vehicle wheels and changing of clothing by employees. Redes protection against wild birds significantly reduces the risk of contamination.
FASFC guides detailed recording of abnormal mortality for immediate notification. Testagens periodic checks on commercial farms complement the early warning system.
- Use of disinfectant footbaths at entrances;
- Separation of batches by age to limit internal spread;
- Regular cleaning of shared equipment.
These practices, when applied consistently, demonstrate effectiveness in reducing incidences.
Impacts on the Belgian poultry industry
Repeated outbreaks generate direct losses due to sanitary slaughter and indirect losses due to commercial restrictions. Exportações of poultry meat and eggs face temporary barriers imposed by third countries.
Producers in the Flandres Ocidental region, an important poultry hub, deal with high biosecurity costs. Seguro disease-specific agriculture helped mitigate some of the losses in previous cases.
The supply chain maintains stability thanks to buffer stocks. Preços to the consumer have not shown significant variations so far in Bélgica.
Sector associations collaborate with authorities to improve contingency plans. Investimentos in safer facilities gained priority among poultry entrepreneurs.
Wild bird monitoring
Passive surveillance programs regularly identify cases in geese, ducks and gulls along the Belgian coast. Amostras collected in humid areas contribute to mapping viral circulation.
International collaboration makes it possible to track migratory routes associated with spread. Dados shared with EFSA guides seasonal risk forecasts.
Mass deaths of wild birds serve as an early indicator of high circulation. Esse monitoring helps in anticipating preventive measures on nearby farms.
Recent historical evolution
Bélgica regained highly pathogenic avian influenza-free status in May 2025 after eradication of previous outbreaks. The reintroduction took place in October, with national confinement preventively decreed.
Killings exceeded hundreds of thousands of birds throughout the period. Recuperação rapid health status depends on the absence of new cases for certain periods.
Past experience demonstrates the effectiveness of combined culling and restriction measures. Coordenação between federal and regional levels accelerates responses.
Health control perspectives
Authorities remain optimistic about containing the current outbreak through ongoing actions. Vigilância continues in the affected areas and throughout the national territory.
Research on vaccines for poultry advances in União Europeia. Strategic Aplicação could complement current strategies in the near future.
Cross-border cooperation with França and Países Baixos facilitates real-time information exchange. Esse exchange reinforces the regional barrier against spread.
