Recent outbreaks of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza were diagnosed on poultry farms in Groningen in the north of the Nation and Overijssel in the east-central quadrant.  To date, there have been 70 outbreaks on commercial farms.  Quarantines imposed in accordance with EU directives and WOAH recommendations are disruptive since farmers cannot move eggs or live birds to prevent spread of the virus.

The Netherlands has 1,700 poultry farms divided among egg production, broilers and waterfowl.