H5 bird flu forces immediate culling of birds and expansion of restriction zone in Diksmuide, Belgium

Agência Federal to Segurança of Cadeia Alimentar (FASFC) of The detection, announced on January 19, 2026, resulted in the immediate order to slaughter all birds on the property to contain the spread of the highly pathogenic virus.

In direct response to the new case, health authorities expanded the existing restricted zone in Furnes-Alveringem. The measure intensifies safety protocols in a region with a high density of poultry production, seeking to create an effective health barrier against the advancement of the disease that has been spreading throughout Europa.

This incident brings the country’s outbreak count since fall 2025 to 20 in commercial farms and two in hobby breeders, in addition to multiple confirmed cases in wild birds. The situation reflects a scenario of continued alert for the Belgian and European poultry sector, which is facing one of the most challenging seasons in recent years.

Immediate containment measures

Following European protocols for the eradication of outbreaks of avian influenza, Belgian health teams began the preventive culling of birds on the infected farm as soon as laboratory confirmation of the H5 virus was received. The objective is to eliminate the source of contagion quickly and decisively.

A protection zone with a radius of 3 kilometers has been established around the site. Dentro of this area, all birds, including those from non-commercial breeding, must be kept in total confinement, and the transportation of animals and poultry products is strictly prohibited without special authorization.

Additionally, a wider surveillance zone of 10 kilometers was implemented. Nela, farm monitoring is intensified and movement restrictions are applied to poultry, eggs and other derived products. Disinfection of vehicles accessing properties is mandatory to avoid cross-contamination between different locations.

These coordinated actions aim to interrupt the virus transmission chain. A ban on poultry fairs and exhibitions in the affected region was also enacted as part of the effort to limit contact between birds of different origins and reduce the risk of new outbreaks emerging.

Epidemiological situation in Bélgica

The case in Diksmuide worsens the epidemiological situation in the country, which had already been under intensified surveillance since October 2025.

Wild birds, especially migratory ones from the north of Europa, are considered the main reservoir and vector of the virus. Elas introduce the pathogen into new territories during their seasonal routes, representing a constant challenge for the biosecurity strategies of commercial farms.

FASFC has reinforced communication with producers, insisting on the importance of strict adherence to biosecurity standards. Weekly monitoring on farms considered high risk is a crucial tool for early detection of possible infections, allowing for a more agile response from authorities.

Context of outbreaks in Europa

The scenario in Bélgica is not isolated, being part of a wave of avian influenza outbreaks that affects several European countries. Nações neighbors such as França,

Autoridade Europeia to Segurança of Alimentos (EFSA) reported a record number of cases in wild birds during the period, indicating intense viral circulation on the continent. Países and Itália also confirmed dozens of outbreaks, especially in the northern regions, severely impacting local production. The rapid spread of the virus has health authorities across União Europeia on high alert due to potential economic and supply chain impacts.

Characteristics of the H5 virus

The H5 subtype identified in this and other recent outbreaks in Europa belongs to the H5N1 lineage, classified as highly pathogenic for birds. Este virus is known to cause an extremely high mortality rate in poultry, such as chickens and turkeys, with the rapid development of severe symptoms that include edema, internal bleeding and respiratory failure. Transmission between birds occurs efficiently through direct contact with secretions from infected animals, such as feces and respiratory fluids, or indirectly, through contaminated equipment, vehicles and people. Migratory waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, often act as asymptomatic carriers, being able to transport the virus over long distances without showing signs of the disease, which makes it difficult to control its geographic spread. Embora the risk of transmission to humans is considered low, Organização Mundial of Saúde Animal (WOAH) continuously monitors possible mutations that could facilitate the adaptation of the virus to mammals.

Recommended biosecurity protocols

FASFC reiterates the need for breeders to adopt strict biosecurity measures to protect their herds. It is essential that feeding and water supply are carried out in covered areas, inaccessible to wild birds, to avoid any type of contact that could introduce the virus into the facilities.

Controlling access to farms is another critical recommendation. Isso includes installing footbaths with disinfectant at entrances, thoroughly disinfecting the wheels of all vehicles, and requiring employees and visitors to change clothing and footwear before entering breeding areas. Installing protective nets is also an effective measure to prevent external birds from entering.

Impacts on the Belgian poultry industry

Recurrent outbreaks of bird flu generate severe economic consequences for the Bélgica poultry industry. Direct losses result from the compulsory slaughter of thousands of birds, while indirect losses result from trade restrictions imposed by importing countries, which temporarily suspend the purchase of poultry meat and eggs from affected regions. Produtores in Flandres Ocidental, one of the country’s main poultry farming hubs, face increasing costs with the implementation of stricter biosecurity measures and production losses. Embora disease-specific agricultural insurance helps mitigate part of the financial losses, the instability caused by the disease represents a major challenge for the sustainability of the sector. Associações of producers work together with authorities to improve contingency plans and encourage investments in safer and more modern facilities.

Wild bird monitoring

Active and passive surveillance programs in wild birds are maintained by the Belgian government to monitor the circulation of the virus in the wild. Amostras collected from birds found dead, mainly in humid and coastal areas, are analyzed to identify the presence of the pathogen and map its geographic distribution.

This surveillance is crucial, as detection of the virus in wild bird populations acts as an early warning system for the poultry sector. The information obtained allows us to anticipate periods of greater risk and guide the implementation of more rigorous preventive measures on farms located on migratory routes.

Health control perspectives

Belgian health authorities are focused on containing the current outbreak through strict enforcement of culling and movement restriction measures. The expectation is that these actions, combined with the cooperation of producers, will be effective in limiting the spread of the virus and eradicating existing outbreaks. Surveillance will remain intensified throughout the national territory, especially in the highest risk areas. Cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries, such as França and Países Baixos, is also a vital component of the strategy, enabling agile exchange of information and coordination of actions to create a more robust regional health barrier against the disease.