23.02.2012

A mild variant of avian influenza has been found at a business trading in birds in Zuidwolde, Drenthe. This mild form of avian influenza was found in 160 swans intended for export. The swans had been kept in the wild and captured before being traded. Avian influenza is fairly common among wild birds. The infection was discovered when the birds were tested for export.
Under European law, kept animals not defined as poultry do not have to be culled. As these swans are not defined as poultry and because the business is located in an area where little poultry is kept, the birds will not be culled.