Avian Flu 2026: urgent restrictions for poultry producers in the EU

Key data

Poultry producers in areas affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in the European Union face immediate operational and commercial restrictions as of April 17, 2026. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/896 updates the emergency zones and applicable measures, modifying the annex of Decision 2023/2447, which is the current reference framework for managing HPAI outbreaks in the EU.

The regulation takes immediate effect: there is no adaptation period. If your farm or activity falls within a delimited zone, the restrictions are already in force.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/896 updates the annex of Decision 2023/2447 to reflect new HPAI outbreaks detected in several Member States. The objective is to contain the spread of the virus by delimiting emergency zones and applying specific measures in each of them.

The measures established include:

• Restrictions on movements of poultry and derived products (including eggs) from affected zones to other zones or Member States.
• Strict health controls for poultry operators located in delimited zones.
• Restrictions on intra-community trade in poultry and eggs from emergency zones.
• Obligation of national competent authorities to apply and communicate the measures to sector operators.

With respect to the previous regulation, Decision 2023/2447 already established the general framework of emergency measures against HPAI. Decision 2026/896 does not change that framework, but rather updates the annex with the new delimited zones as a result of the most recent outbreaks, expanding or modifying the current restrictions map.

Economic and operational impact

For poultry operators in delimited zones, the impact is direct and immediate on two levels:

Operational: The farm is subject to reinforced health controls that involve greater administrative and management burden (records, notifications, inspections). The movement of animals and products within and outside the zone requires authorization or is directly prohibited depending on the type of zone (protection or surveillance).

Commercial: Restrictions on intra-community trade may block or limit access to markets in other Member States for poultry and eggs from affected zones. This can generate stock accumulation, the need to seek alternative commercial outlets within the zone or within the Member State itself, and potential loss of contracts or customers.

Logistics and transport companies operating with poultry or derived products in affected zones are also impacted, as movements are restricted and subject to additional controls.

Who does it affect?

• Poultry producers with farms located in the zones delimited by new HPAI outbreaks in any EU Member State.
• Poultry sector operators: slaughterhouses, egg classification centers, processors and marketers of poultry and derived products in affected zones.
• Transporters and logistics operators who move poultry, eggs or other derived products from or to restricted zones.
• National veterinary and competent authorities responsible for applying, monitoring and communicating emergency measures to operators.
• Intra-community importers and exporters who trade in poultry or poultry products from affected zones.

Practical example

An egg-producing poultry farm located in an area delimited as a protection zone (the most restrictive) due to an HPAI outbreak detected in April 2026 cannot send its eggs to customers in another Member State while the restriction is in force. Nor can it move poultry from the farm without express authorization from the competent veterinary authority.

The farm manager must: notify their situation to the national veterinary authority, submit to the established health controls, document all internal and external movements, and await authorization or lifting of the zone to resume normal commercial activity. During this period, the commercial outlet for products is limited to what the regulations allow within the zone itself or Member State, according to the specific conditions set out in the updated annex.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if the farm or activity is in a delimited zone: Consult the updated annex of Decision 2026/896 published in the EU Official Journal and contact the competent national veterinary authority to confirm the status of the zone.
2. Stop unauthorized movements of poultry and products: Until the status of the zone is confirmed, suspend any movement of poultry, eggs or derived products that may be subject to restriction. Unauthorized movements may imply liability for the operator.
3. Contact the national veterinary authority: Competent authorities have the obligation to inform operators. Request specific instructions on applicable controls and procedures for authorizing movements.
4. Review contracts and commercial commitments: Identify intra-community supply contracts that may be affected by restrictions and inform customers of the situation to avoid contractual breaches.
5. Strengthen records and traceability: Document all health controls performed, authorized movements and communications with authorities. This documentation is essential in case of inspections.
6. Monitor the evolution of the annex: Delimited zones are updated as outbreaks evolve. Follow modifications to the annex of Decision 2023/2447 to learn when restrictions are lifted or expanded.