The first outbreak of bird flu in nearly a year has been confirmed at a biological poultry farm in Gelderland.

An estimated 23,000 laying hens will have to be destroyed after the disease was detected at a farm in Putten. Thirteen other poultry farms in the vicinity will be tested for the virus and farmers in a 10-kilometre radius have been ordered to keep their birds indoors.

Agriculture minister Femke Wiersma said it was a “heavy blow” for the farmer concerned. “Unfortunately, after a long period we are having to deal with another business with a bird flu infection.

“We are taking appropriate steps and keeping a close eye on the situation.”

Farmers’ organisation LTO called on the government to impose a nationwide ban on keeping birds outdoors to prevent the disease spreading.

“It is a setback, but at the same time it’s not totally unexpected,” said the chair of LTO’s poultry division, Kees de Jong.

“This morning a case was confirmed just over the German border in Kleve. We have called on the ministry to compel everyone to keep their poultry indoors.”