Houtem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Avian influenza was confirmed on December 24, 2025, at a Houtem chicken farm in Veurne. Thousands of chickens are being culled; Mayor Peter Roose and authorities enforce 10km-3km safety zones.
As VRT News reported, avian influenza has been detected at a large chicken farm in Houtem, a sub-municipality of Veurne, Belgium. The farm houses thousands of chickens. Authorities acted quickly after the outbreak was confirmed.
Mayor Peter Roose of Verne Plus said on Wednesday morning, Dec 24, 2025, that he had been informed about the detection. He added that the strain is highly contagious and that immediate action is needed to protect poultry in the area. The culling of infected birds has already started.
What is being done after avian flu hits the Houtem farm in Veurne?
Authorities have set up strict safety measures around the farm. All poultry farms within a 10-kilometre radius must shelter their birds to prevent contact with wild birds. In the smaller 3-kilometre zone, the rule applies to all birds, including non-commercial ones.
Veterinary officials are actively monitoring the situation. Poultry farmers are required to follow biosecurity and hygiene protocols closely and report any poultry mortality or illness to their veterinary authorities. Currently, there is only one confirmed case of the disease in the city of Veurne.
Over the past few years, the city of Veurne has experienced outbreaks of avian influenza affecting multiple poultry farms in 2018 and again in 2021, resulting in the culling of large numbers of birds and temporary trade restrictions on poultry products. Since 2021, state and local government authorities have implemented enhanced monitoring and biosecurity programs enabling them to respond more rapidly to new outbreaks of the disease.
