The threat has been palpable for weeks, but now it is literally knocking on the loft door here in Delft. With the confirmed bird flu outbreak in Maasland (South Holland), just a stone’s throw from the Pigeon Boss HQ, we are holding our breath. Is the racing season and the upcoming event calendar in jeopardy?

It is no longer a “distant problem.” While earlier this week we watched the escalating situation in West Flanders with concern, the virus suddenly appeared in our own backyard on Wednesday, January 14.

Maasland: The impact on the Delft region

In Maasland, only a few kilometers away from the Pigeon Boss Lofts in Delft, the virus was detected at a small-scale holding. Although it involves a small number of animals (approx. 220), the consequences for the region are severe. A 10-kilometer surveillance zone was immediately established. Within this area, a strict transport ban applies to all birds.

For fanciers in the Westland, Midden-Delfland, and the outskirts of Delft, this means the trap remains closed. No training, no transport, and absolute silence around the loft. The virus is creeping alarmingly close.

Spreading like an oil spill

The outbreak in Maasland is not an isolated incident. Oisterwijk (North Brabant) has also been hit at a large turkey farm, right in the middle of a poultry-dense area. At the same time, the situation in Belgium seems untenable; yesterday, a fourth outbreak in one week was confirmed in the Veurne region (West Flanders). The map of the Netherlands and Belgium is showing more and more red zones.

Major concerns for upcoming events

Here at The Pigeon Boss, we are fearing the worst. The timing could hardly be worse. The coming period is traditionally dedicated to fraternization: award ceremonies, exhibitions, and of course, major international events like the approaching Olympiad.

With a virus spreading this aggressively and now gripping the South Holland region, the question arises whether and how these events can proceed. A national transport ban or stricter rules for gatherings could put a line through the plans of thousands of fanciers looking forward to these highlights.

Vigilance is key

For now, there is nothing to do but remain vigilant. Check the maps from the RVO (in the Netherlands) and the FAVV (in Belgium) daily. Ensure that vermin have no chance of entering the loft and disinfect your footwear.

The virus is breathing down our necks. Let’s hope the Maasland outbreak remains an isolated incident and the wind doesn’t blow in the wrong direction.

Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss