Avian influenza found in wild ducks in Netherlands
Two samples from wild ducks around the area of Kamerik, Woerden, in the Netherlands, have tested positive for a highly pathogenic H5 strain of avian influenza, Rijksoverheid.nl confirmed in a statement last night (1 December).
The samples were taken as part of the investigation into the possible role of wild birds in the spread of the disease in the country.
It follows the discovery of a fourth case of avian influenza in the Netherlands last weekend, which was confirmed as the H5N8 strain – the same as the cases discovered earlier this month.
The latest outbreak in Zoeterwoude saw all susceptible birds – around 50,000 – culled on 30 November.
In a letter to parliament, minister for agriculture Sharon Dijksma said that analysis by the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) of the bird flu outbreaks in Hekendorp, Ter Aar and Kamperveen occurred independently.
