Avian flu 2026: emergency restrictions for poultry farms in the EU

Key data

Poultry farms in the EU operating in areas affected by highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks have new operational restrictions from 12 May 2026. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1091, published on 18 May 2026, amends the annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447 and updates the geographical zones where emergency measures apply.

The change is significant: depending on whether your farm falls within or outside the new delimitations, commercial and health obligations vary considerably. The zones may have been expanded or reduced compared to the previous delimitation, depending on the epidemiological evolution of the outbreaks.

What does this regulation establish?

Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1091 modifies exclusively the annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, which is the base regulation governing emergency measures against highly pathogenic avian flu in the European Union. It does not replace the base regulation: it updates it with the zones in force according to the most recent epidemiological data.

The specific elements established by this amendment are:

• Update of restriction zones in Member States affected by active highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks.
• Restrictions on movement of live poultry, eggs and poultry products from the delimited zones.
• Strict health controls mandatory for farms located within restriction zones.
• Commercial restrictions applicable to operators marketing the aforementioned products from affected zones.
• Dynamic update of territorial delimitations based on epidemiological evolution: zones can be expanded or reduced.

Economic and operational impact

For a poultry farm or a commercial operator in the sector, being within a restriction zone has direct and immediate operational consequences:

• Paralysis or restriction of sales of live birds, eggs and poultry products outside the affected zone while the restriction lasts.
• Additional control costs: veterinary inspections, laboratory analysis and reinforced biosecurity measures.
• Impact on contracts and supplies: operators with delivery commitments may fail to meet deadlines if their farms fall within the new delimited zones.
• Risk of market loss: buyers—distributors, food industry, exporters—may activate force majeure clauses or seek alternative suppliers outside restricted zones.

Conversely, if a farm that was in a restricted zone falls outside the new delimitations, it recovers the ability to market normally. The dynamic update of zones can be both a restriction and a relief, depending on the evolution of the outbreak.

Who does it affect?

• Poultry farms located in the zones delimited as affected in the updated annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447.
• Operators marketing live poultry from or to restriction zones.
• Operators marketing eggs—for consumption, incubation or processing—from affected zones.
• Operators marketing poultry products (poultry meat, by-products, etc.) originating from delimited zones.
• Veterinary authorities of the affected Member States, responsible for implementing and supervising emergency measures.
• Transport and logistics companies operating routes that cross or depart from restricted zones with poultry cargo.
• Food industry and distributors that depend on supplies from affected zones.

Practical example

A poultry farm producing eggs for human consumption located in a region of an EU Member State verifies, following the publication of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1091 on 18 May 2026, that its municipality has been included in the new restriction zones of the updated annex.

From 12 May 2026 (date of entry into force), this farm cannot market its eggs outside the delimited zone without complying with the health controls and requirements established in the regulation. It must contact the competent veterinary authority of its Member State to learn the exact procedure applicable to its case, undergo the required inspections and demonstrate compliance with biosecurity measures before being able to resume normal commercial operations.

If in a subsequent update of the annex—motivated by improvement in the epidemiological situation—its municipality is excluded from the restriction zone, the farm automatically recovers the ability to operate without movement restrictions.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify the location of the farm with respect to the new delimited zones: consult the updated annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447 as amended by Decision (EU) 2026/1091, published on 18 May 2026.
2. Contact the competent veterinary authority of the Member State to confirm whether the farm falls within any restriction zone and to learn the specific obligations applicable.
3. Review active supply contracts to identify whether movement restrictions may cause breaches and activate the corresponding contractual clauses.
4. Strengthen biosecurity measures in farms located in affected or adjacent zones, as a preventive measure against possible expansions of restriction zones.
5. Maintain active monitoring of annex updates: restriction zones are updated dynamically according to epidemiological evolution, so the situation may change at any time.
6. Inform customers and buyers about the status of the farm with respect to restriction zones, to avoid interruptions in the supply chain.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the difference between the base regulation (2023/2447) and this amendment (2026/1091)?

A: The base regulation establishes the emergency measures framework against highly pathogenic avian flu. This amendment updates only the annex with the current restriction zones as of May 2026, based on the latest epidemiological data. The measures themselves remain the same; only the geographical areas where they apply change.

Q: If my farm is in a restriction zone, can I sell my products at all?

A: Yes, but with restrictions. You can sell within the zone and, in some cases, outside it, but you must comply with the health controls and requirements established in the regulation. Contact your veterinary authority for the specific procedure.

Q: How often are the zones updated?

A: The zones are updated dynamically according to the epidemiological situation. There is no fixed schedule; updates occur when necessary based on the evolution of avian flu outbreaks.

Q: What happens if my farm moves from a restricted zone to a non-restricted zone?

A: If your farm's location is reclassified in a subsequent update of the annex, the restrictions applicable to your previous zone cease to apply. However, you must verify the new status with the competent veterinary authority.

Official source

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1091 of 12 May 2026 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447 on emergency measures to prevent the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Union.

Published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 18 May 2026.

CELEX Reference: 32026D1091

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is based on the regulatory text as published. For specific guidance on how these measures apply to your farm or business, consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the competent veterinary authority of your Member State. Regulations may be subject to updates or amendments; always verify the current status of the applicable rules before making business decisions.