Belgium faces surge in H5 avian influenza across poultry farms

Belgium is confronting a renewed outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with the H5 strain detected in multiple poultry farms in Limburg and Namur provinces, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) reported Monday.

In Namur, a farm in La Bruyere tested positive for H5, marking the province’s second confirmed outbreak, while three farms in Limburg have also reported infections in recent days. Authorities are culling affected flocks and establishing 3-kilometer protection zones and 10-kilometer surveillance zones around each site, implementing strict control measures.

Agriculture Minister David Clarinval has reinstated mandatory housing for all poultry, including both commercial farms and registered hobby flocks, to curb further spread.

Impact on wildlife

The Natuurhulpcentrum wildlife rescue center in Limburg has reported a rise in call-outs, handling about 10 cases per day, reflecting the growing effect of the virus on wild bird populations. Public health officials have warned citizens not to handle sick or dead birds and to report any findings for proper testing.

International context

Belgium had recently regained “free status” for HPAI earlier this year, which was lost following new infections in late October. The current containment measures follow European Union guidelines for avian influenza control.

Separately, in the United States, the H5N5 subtype has been linked to the death of an elderly man with pre-existing conditions in Washington state, marking the second confirmed human fatality from avian influenza in the country this year.