Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Translation Google
September 30, 2026
Last updated
September 30, 2026
Document type
Press release
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A case of H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in a hobby poultry farmer in Tongeren (Limburg province). The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) is taking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Areas subject to additional measures are being established around the outbreak.
Within the 10 km zone, all poultry owners (professional and private) must keep their poultry indoors. Within the 3 km zone, this requirement also applies to other birds. You can find more information about these measures on the AFSCA website . As this case of contamination was detected in a hobby breeder, Belgium retains, at this stage, its status as avian influenza-free zone.
Elsewhere in the country, it is not mandatory to shelter birds and poultry. However, they must be fed indoors or in a protected area. " The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) strongly recommends protecting animals as much as possible by making the henhouse or aviary safe from wild birds. This can be done by covering it with netting, for example, " said Aline Van den Broeck, spokesperson for the AFSCA.
The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) recommends not touching dead or sick birds. If you notice any symptoms in your animals, contact a veterinarian. If you find a dead bird in the wild, report it immediately to the toll-free number 0800/99 777. The animal can then be collected and examined.
What is avian flu?
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease to which almost all bird species are susceptible. The severity of the disease varies from animal to animal and depends on the viral strain, the environment, and any other infections. Contamination can occur through direct contact with sick animals or through exposure to contaminated material, such as manure or dirty crates. Mammals can become infected in exceptional cases, for example, when they eat the carcass of an infected bird or come into close contact with the avian influenza virus. Human infection is extremely rare. To date, no cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus have been observed worldwide.
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H5 avian influenza: first infection this season by the highly pathogenic variant confirmed in an amateur breeder in Tongeren-Borgloon, in the province of Limburg
Additional information
Publication dateSeptember 30, 2026
Last updated
September 30, 2026
Document type
Press release
...
A case of H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in a hobby poultry farmer in Tongeren (Limburg province). The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) is taking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Areas subject to additional measures are being established around the outbreak.
Within the 10 km zone, all poultry owners (professional and private) must keep their poultry indoors. Within the 3 km zone, this requirement also applies to other birds. You can find more information about these measures on the AFSCA website . As this case of contamination was detected in a hobby breeder, Belgium retains, at this stage, its status as avian influenza-free zone.
Elsewhere in the country, it is not mandatory to shelter birds and poultry. However, they must be fed indoors or in a protected area. " The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) strongly recommends protecting animals as much as possible by making the henhouse or aviary safe from wild birds. This can be done by covering it with netting, for example, " said Aline Van den Broeck, spokesperson for the AFSCA.
The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) recommends not touching dead or sick birds. If you notice any symptoms in your animals, contact a veterinarian. If you find a dead bird in the wild, report it immediately to the toll-free number 0800/99 777. The animal can then be collected and examined.
What is avian flu?
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease to which almost all bird species are susceptible. The severity of the disease varies from animal to animal and depends on the viral strain, the environment, and any other infections. Contamination can occur through direct contact with sick animals or through exposure to contaminated material, such as manure or dirty crates. Mammals can become infected in exceptional cases, for example, when they eat the carcass of an infected bird or come into close contact with the avian influenza virus. Human infection is extremely rare. To date, no cases of human-to-human transmission of the virus have been observed worldwide.
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