10.06.2016

Netherlands has reported an outbreak of avian influenza in domestic laying hens in Friesland region. Over 48,000 birds were present on the premises in two production systems with outside access of 16,000 free range birds and 32,000 organic birds. The virus was reported as H7N9 low pathogenicity with only very mild clinical signs observed of slight egg drop and dullness. The most recent occurrence of H7N9 in Dutch birds was in April 2015, according to the OIE.
The first known human case of the H7N9 strain was reported in mainland China in March 2013. Since then, infections in both humans and birds have been observed. The disease is of concern because most patients have become severely ill.