Modification date 02-12-2025 | 16:47

2 December 2025

Kitten in the Netherlands has bird flu

In the Netherlands, a kitten has tested positive for avian influenza, also known as bird flu. Dogs or cats do very occasionally contract bird flu. This only happens if your dog or cat has had contact with infected fowl – such as a wild bird that has avian influenza. 

It is still very unlikely for people to get bird flu. The risk is only elevated for people who have frequent close contact with birds in the context of their work or volunteer activities. They are advised on how to protect their personal health. There have been no confirmed cases of transmission from cat or dog to humans. 

Ms Wiersma, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), has briefed the Dutch House of Representatives on the situation in a letter to Parliament.

How do I know if my pet has bird flu?

The symptoms of bird flu in cats and dogs include: fever, panting, shortness of breath, eye infections, and slimy discharge from eyes and nose. More detailed information (in Dutch) is available from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Authority (NVWA). Keep dogs away from dead birds. If you are walking your dog beside a lake or near waterways, it is advisable to keep your dog leashed. This is especially important if dead birds have been found in your area. More information about bird flu and pets is available (in Dutch) on the NVWA website.

What can you do if you see a dead bird or animal?

If you encounter a bird that is ill or dead, do not touch it with your bare hands. You can report dead birds in the wild to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC). The report can be filed online in English or in the Bird Flu App (Vogelgriep-app, only in Dutch). More information is available at Government.nl. 

  •  you see a dead bird out in the wild, put on disposable gloves before picking it up. Place the bird inside a closed bag. Call your municipality. They will tell you where you can take the bag.
  • your hands well with soap and water.
  • the bird is not in your own garden, call the owner of the location (municipality, province or nature management office).

If you find a dead animal, such as a fox or otter, do not touch it. These mammals may also have been infected with avian influenza. 

27 November 2025

Bird flu (H5N1) is currently present in the Netherlands. Birds at farms, but also in nature, have become ill because of this. The risk of becoming ill is small for people.

Only people who have extended close contact with wild birds through their (volunteer) work are at higher risk of coming into contact with avian influenza. They receive advice on how to protect their health. In recent weeks, researchers have found avian influenza more often in wild bird species, such as ducks. These animals often do not show any visible symptoms.

What should you do if you see a dead bird?

Never touch dead birds with your bare hands. Dead birds can have bird flu. The virus can spread to animals such as dogs, cats or foxes. Are you walking your dog in a water-rich area? Then it is wise to keep your dog on a leash. Especially if dead birds have been found in the area.

Have you found a dead bird?

  • Report dead wild birds to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC). You can do this online or via the Bird Flu app (in Dutch)
  • Have you found a dead bird in your garden? Pick it up with disposable gloves and put the bird in a closed garbage bag.
  • Your municipality can tell you where you can bring the dead birds.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap.
  • Have you found a dead bird elsewhere than in your garden? Then call the owner of the area (municipality or nature manager).

 

More information