No more expulsion for poultry from Thursday

The shielding obligation was introduced in November last year as a preventive measure against the advance of the bird flu virus in our neighboring countries. That meant that poultry farmers had to keep their animals inside. If they still wanted it to walk outside, nets had to be stretched around the run to make contact with wild birds impossible. The rules did not apply to hobby holders who were not registered.

Inevitably in Belgium, both in wild birds and poultry farms, infections were found. In 2025, eight outbreaks were counted at commercial poultry farms and hobby holders. Two cats were also infected for the first time in February. However, since the beginning of March, no new infections have been added to the farms. At Wilde Vogels, bird flu was found for the last time on April 27, according to figures from Sciensano.

The disease -free status of Belgium was approved last week by the World Organization for Animal Health. That is why the obligation to shield is now being abolished. Bird holders are also no longer obliged to give their animals in drinks. Shielded or feeding indoors remains mandatory.

Despite the cancellation, the FASFV still calls for vigilance. « The virus circulation in wild birds does not disappear completely during the summer months and infections are therefore still possible. The FAVV therefore still recommends that the chicken rings are shining off with nets and thus avoid contact with wild birds, » says spokesperson Hélène Bonte. Federal Minister of Agriculture David Clarinval (MR) makes the same call: « We argue in strictly monitoring the bio -safety measures. After all, the virus is still circulating. »