Avian Flu 2026: new restricted zones and obligations for poultry farms

Key data

If you own a poultry farm or work as an operator in the sector, this regulation may affect you from 24 September 2026. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2187 amends the annex to Decision 2023/2447 and updates the map of restricted zones in response to the epidemiological evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in the European Union.

The key is not just knowing that an update exists: it is verifying whether your farm has fallen within any of the revised zones, because the obligations are immediate and the consequences of non-compliance are serious.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/2187 updates the annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, which is the general framework for emergency measures against HPAI outbreaks in the EU. The specific modification consists of the revision of the geographical delimitation of three types of zones:

The update reflects the epidemiological evolution of the virus: when a new focus appears or an existing one is controlled, the zones are redrawn. This is why the Commission periodically modifies the annex to Decision 2023/2447, rather than publishing a completely new regulation each time.

Affected operators must adapt their biosecurity and notification protocols in accordance with the new geographical delimitation published in this decision.

Economic and operational impact

Restrictions on the movement of birds, eggs and derived products have a direct impact on the operations and income of affected farms. The main effects are:

• Paralysis or limitation of sales and transfers: while the farm is within a protection or surveillance zone, the movement of live birds, fertile eggs and derived products is subject to authorization or directly prohibited.
• Additional biosecurity costs: reinforcement of hygiene measures, access control, protective equipment and documentary records required by veterinary authorities.
• Risk of preventive culling: if an outbreak is confirmed on the farm or in its immediate surroundings, authorities may order preventive culling of affected flocks, resulting in loss of assets.
• Notification obligations: any clinical sign compatible with HPAI must be immediately reported to the competent veterinary authorities.

The actual cost will depend on the size of the farm, its exact location within the zone and the duration of restrictions, which varies according to the evolution of the outbreak.

Who does it affect?

• Poultry farms (chicken farms, turkeys, ducks, laying hens, etc.) located in the updated protection, surveillance or restriction zones.
• Poultry sector operators: live bird transport companies, hatcheries, poultry slaughterhouses and poultry product processing companies operating in or towards affected zones.
• Veterinary authorities of Member States with active foci, responsible for implementing and supervising the measures.
• Importers and exporters of live birds, fertile eggs and derived products originating from or destined for restricted zones.

Practical example

Imagine a laying hen farm with 50,000 birds located in a region where a new focus of HPAI has been detected. Following the publication of Decision 2026/2187, that farm is included in the protection zone redefined in the new annex.

From that moment on, the operator cannot move live birds or eggs outside the zone without express authorization from the veterinary authorities. It must immediately strengthen access controls to the facilities, record all movements of personnel and vehicles, and notify any unusual mortality or symptoms compatible with HPAI. If it fails to comply with these obligations and non-compliance is detected in an inspection, it is exposed to administrative sanctions and, in the worst case scenario, to preventive culling of the entire flock.

If the same farm were in the surveillance zone (a larger radius around the focus), the restrictions would be less severe but equally mandatory: movement controls, active surveillance and periodic communication with the authorities.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if the farm is in an affected zone: consult the updated annex to Decision 2026/2187 (available on EUR-Lex) and cross-check with regional or national veterinary authorities whether the location falls within any protection, surveillance or restriction zone.
2. Review and strengthen biosecurity protocols: adapt internal procedures to the requirements for the corresponding zone: access control, vehicle hygiene, visitor and movement records.
3. Halt unauthorized movements: do not transfer live birds, fertile eggs or derived products outside the zone without express authorization from the competent authorities.
4. Activate the notification protocol: ensure that all staff are aware of the obligation to immediately report any clinical signs compatible with HPAI to the veterinary authorities.
5. Contact veterinary authorities: maintain proactive communication with official veterinary services to learn about the estimated duration of restrictions and requirements for lifting measures.
6. Document everything: record all actions taken, movements made and communications with authorities. This documentation is key in case of inspection or claim.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026D2187