The European Commission has adopted protective measures in order to control and prevent the avian influenza from spreading within the affected member states to other states and to third countries while minimising disturbance to trade.
The move comes after the Dutch authorities informed about an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5 in an indoor flock of 150, 000 laying hens on 15 November.
On 16 November, the UK authorities have also informed an outbreak of HPAI H5 on an indoor duck breeder farm which is probably similar to the H5N8 HPAI virus found in the Netherlands and in Germany.
The measures include culling of the poultry on the affected holding, establishment of protection and surveillance zones, and introduction of sanitary measures.
The sale of live poultry, eggs, poultry meat and other poultry products to other EU countries and non-EU countries will also be terminated.
Epidemiological investigations are currently underway in order to identify the possible cause of virus.
The EU member states are expected to increase bio security on farms. They are currently evaluating their wild bird surveillance data, as well as improving monitoring.
Image: The sale of live poultry, eggs, poultry meat and other poultry products to other EU countries and non-EU countries will also be terminated.
