Bird flu detected at Dutch farm, 45,000 laying hens to be culled

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Bird flu has been detected at a poultry farm in Lutjegast, a village in the northern Dutch province of Groningen, prompting authorities to cull 45,000 laying hens, the Dutch Agriculture Ministry said.

The outbreak is the first reported in the Netherlands since July, according to the ministry.

The affected farm keeps laying hens, regional broadcaster RTV NOF reported.

Authorities immediately imposed a transport ban within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) radius of the farm to prevent the virus from spreading.

The ban prohibits the transport of birds, eggs, manure and used bedding within the designated zone, which extends across parts of the provinces of Groningen and Friesland.

The restricted area includes 21 other agricultural businesses, according to the report.

The ministry said the outbreak does not currently warrant a nationwide or regional confinement requirement for poultry.

Aysu Biçer