Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/998 of 27 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified standard | Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447 (updated annex) |
| Publication | 29 April 2026 (EU Official Journal) |
| Entry into force | 27 April 2026 (immediate application) |
| Affected parties | Poultry farms, operators in the poultry sector and veterinary authorities in affected areas of the EU |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Reference | C(2026) 2882 — OJ:L_202600998 |
| National transposition | Not required. Direct application in all Member States |
Poultry farms and operators in the European Union are facing new operational restrictions as of 27 April 2026. The Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/998 updates the geographical perimeters of the protection and surveillance zones established by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, modifying the annex of Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447.
The regulation has immediate and direct application in all Member States, without the need for national transposition. This means that any farm that has been included in the new restriction maps must act urgently, without waiting for any national implementing regulation.
What does this regulation establish?
Decision 2026/998 modifies the annex of Decision 2023/2447, which is the EU's emergency measures framework against HPAI outbreaks. The specific modification consists of the revision of geographical perimeters of protection and surveillance zones in the affected Member States.
These geographical changes have direct operational consequences for operators included in the new zones:
- Protection zones: Immediate perimeter around the outbreak focus. Restrictions are more severe.
- Surveillance zones: Outer control perimeter. Restrictions are of lower intensity but equally binding.
The measures that must be applied in the delimited zones include:
- Reinforced biosecurity measures in facilities
- Restrictions on the movement of live birds and poultry products
- Possible preventive culling of birds ordered by veterinary authorities
The regulation being modified, Decision 2023/2447, was adopted in 2023 as a rapid response instrument against HPAI outbreaks in the EU. Decision 2026/998 updates its geographical annex to reflect the current epidemiological situation, expanding or modifying already established zones.
Economic and operational impact
The impact for poultry sector companies depends directly on whether their location falls within or outside the new restriction perimeters. The operational consequences can be immediate and severe:
| Situation | Operational consequence |
|---|---|
| Farm in protection zone | Total or partial restriction on movement of birds and poultry products; possible preventive culling |
| Farm in surveillance zone | Movement restrictions; reinforced veterinary controls; mandatory biosecurity |
| Slaughterhouse or processing facility in affected zone | Restrictions on receipt of poultry raw materials from restricted zones |
| Operator outside restricted zones | No direct restrictions, but possible impact on supply chain if suppliers are in affected zone |
Movement restrictions can paralyze the marketing of live birds and poultry products, with consequent impact on income, supply contracts and logistics. Preventive culling, when ordered by veterinary authorities, can result in the total loss of a farm's poultry stock.
Who does it affect?
- Poultry farms (chicken, turkey, duck, laying hen farms, etc.) located in the protection or surveillance zones delimited in the updated annex
- Poultry slaughterhouses that receive birds from restricted zones or are located within such zones
- Poultry sector operators (transporters, traders, processing industry) that operate in affected zones or with suppliers in those zones
- Veterinary authorities of the Member States, responsible for implementing and supervising the measures
- Operators outside restricted zones that depend on supply from affected zones, with possible indirect impact on their supply chain
Practical example
A broiler chicken farm located in a region that has been included in the new protection zone defined in the annex of Decision 2026/998 faces, as of 27 April 2026, the following immediate consequences:
- It cannot remove live birds from the farm without express authorization from the competent veterinary authority.
- It must immediately apply reinforced biosecurity protocols: access control, vehicle disinfection, record of entries and exits.
- If the veterinary authority orders it, it must proceed with preventive culling of the entire stock, which means the total loss of current production.
- Supply contracts with slaughterhouses or distributors may be suspended until the veterinary authority authorizes movement.
A slaughterhouse that receives birds from that same farm must immediately suspend those receipts until the veterinary authority authorizes movement, which can generate stock shortages and the need to find alternative suppliers outside the restricted zone.
What should companies do now?
- Verify the geographical location of the farm with respect to the new maps of protection and surveillance zones published in the annex of Decision 2026/998. This verification is urgent given that the regulation is already in force as of 27 April 2026.
- Contact the competent veterinary authority of the Member State to confirm whether the farm is included in any restricted zone and to receive specific instructions on the measures to be applied.
- Activate reinforced biosecurity protocols if the farm is in an affected zone: access control, disinfection, movement records, limitation of external visits.
- Review supply contracts with slaughterhouses, distributors and customers to identify force majeure clauses or contingencies applicable in case of movement restrictions.
- Assess the impact on the supply chain if you are a processing operator or distributor: identify which suppliers are in restricted zones and seek alternatives outside such zones.
- Document all actions taken in compliance with emergency measures, both to demonstrate compliance to authorities and for possible compensation claims.
Frequently asked questions
Which poultry farms are affected by the new restriction zones?
All poultry farms located within the protection or surveillance zones delimited in the updated annex of Decision 2026/998 are affected. To determine if your farm is affected, you must check the geographical coordinates or administrative boundaries published in the regulation's annex and compare them with your farm's location. Contact your Member State's veterinary authority for confirmation.
What is the difference between a protection zone and a surveillance zone?
Protection zones are the immediate perimeter around the outbreak focus and have the most severe restrictions on bird movement and poultry products. Surveillance zones are the outer perimeter and have less intense but equally binding restrictions. Both require reinforced biosecurity measures.
Can a farm appeal against its inclusion in a restricted zone?
The decision to delimit zones is based on epidemiological criteria established by the EU and implemented by Member State veterinary authorities. Individual appeals against zone delimitation must be directed to the competent national veterinary authority. However, the restriction itself is binding and must be complied with immediately.
What happens if a farm does not comply with the movement restrictions?
Non-compliance with movement restrictions can result in administrative and criminal penalties, depending on the Member State's legislation. Additionally, unauthorized movement of birds from a restricted zone can spread the disease and trigger additional restrictions. Compliance is mandatory and immediate.
How long will the restrictions remain in place?
The duration of restrictions depends on the epidemiological situation. Zones are typically maintained until the disease is eradicated in the area, which is determined by the competent veterinary authorities. The EU may update the zones through new implementing decisions as the situation evolves.
Are there compensation mechanisms for farms affected by preventive culling?
EU legislation provides for compensation mechanisms for farms subject to preventive culling ordered by authorities. However, the specific conditions, amounts and procedures vary by Member State. Affected farms should contact their national veterinary authority or agricultural administration to learn about available compensation.
Official source
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/998 of 27 April 2026 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447 as regards the delimitation of protection and surveillance zones in relation to highly pathogenic avian influenza. Published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 29 April 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the regulation and is not legal advice. The interpretation and application of the regulation may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case and the national legislation of each Member State. Companies should consult with their legal and veterinary advisors to ensure full compliance with the applicable requirements. The information contained herein is current as of the publication date and may be subject to updates or modifications. CambiosLegales is not responsible for any damages or losses arising from the use of this information.