The current variant of avian influenza prevalent in the Netherlands does not pose a major threat to public health. “The zoonotic threat is currently low,” Health Minister Ernst Kuipers said during a debate in the House of Representatives.
The avian flu virus requires five mutations before it can spread to mammals. In the current variant, one or two mutations have been found by Erasmus UMC. Both kept animals and wild birds are checked for virus mutations. Kuipers points out that he cannot guarantee that he will remain so. “It wouldn’t be wise for you to sit down now.”
People who come into contact with infected animals, such as poultry farmers and reapers, are also screened. “So far the number of cases has been limited. But it is a matter of continuous monitoring. Zoonotic literacy plays a role in this, “says Kuipers. It refers to the awareness and readiness in people when they are sick that this could be a zoonosis.
Fewer animals per barn
Highly pathogenic avian influenza of type H5N1 now occurs in the Netherlands. In early October, a human H5N1 infection was detected in an employee of a poultry farm in Spain. In January of this year, the virus was diagnosed in a 79-year-old man in England. These are the only two known cases in Europe. Worldwide, 864 human infections with H5N1 were detected in 19 countries between 2003 and 2022. 53% of these cases, 456 people, died from the virus.
MPs from PvdD, GroenLinks and PvdA believe the government is doing too little to prevent the development of zoonoses in Dutch farming. The parties are in favor of reducing the stocking density through fewer animals per barn and fewer barns together. GroenLinks also wants different animal species to be less close to each other. BBB’er Caroline van der Plas reacts irritably to statements from Laura Bromet (GroenLinks). You speak of “creating panic” and say that the number of outbreaks of animal diseases, such as foot and mouth disease and swine fever, is much lower now than in the past due to the high standards of hygiene and biosecurity.
Public health
Kuipers also wants to pay special attention to zoonoses in the reclassification of countryside through the National Program for Rural Areas (NPLG), in order to reduce the risk of this. “The commitment to improve nature, soil, water, nitrogen and the climate is also important for public health. That is why I want to be involved in the plan from a public health point of view as well, “says Kuipers.
VVD member Thom van Campen does not want the zoonosis approach to be an additional tool to intervene in farming, other than nitrogen. Kuipers says it’s included in the total. This does not only concern the organization of farming, but also the development of nature and the associated risks, in view of climate change.
