Park rangers in the Netherlands are changing their guided walks in order to avoid areas where waterfowl congregate. They are also stopping guided walks which would normally pass through fields where large groups of geese or ducks live. These are some of the measures taken by the Dutch park service against the spread of bird flu.
A spokesperson said that since last fall the park rangers have been paying special attention to the health of the birds in the parks of the Netherlands. Every dead bird has also been carefully examined.
Besides the changes made to the guided walks program, the park service (Staatsbosbeheer) has also asked all volunteers who are working in the poultry industry to cease their volunteer activities.
Along with other Dutch agencies, the park service has noticed a sharp increase in the number of reports of dead birds they receive.
The park service and other agencies responsible for natural areas have a plan of action ready in case the H5N1 virus is found in the Netherlands, which might just be a matter of time. One such measure will be to close off certain areas to visitors.
