Avian Influenza 2026: urgent restrictions for the poultry sector in the EU

Key data

Operators in the EU poultry sector must urgently verify whether their facilities or product origin zones are included in the updated annex of Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/721, adopted on 20 March 2026. This decision amends the annex of Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, the current emergency regulation on highly pathogenic avian influenza, updating the maps of protection and surveillance zones in the Member States affected by new outbreaks.

This is not a preventive alert: the restrictions are already in force. Any movement of poultry, eggs or poultry products from or to a delimited zone without complying with the required health controls constitutes a breach of EU emergency regulations.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision 2026/721 does not create a new regulatory framework: it updates the annex of the existing emergency regulation (Decision 2023/2447) to reflect new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in certain Member States.

The specific change consists of the update of the maps of protection and surveillance zones. These zones determine which territories are subject to movement restrictions and reinforced health controls.

The distinction between protection zone and surveillance zone is relevant: protection zones apply the strictest restrictions (generally within an immediate radius of the outbreak focus), while surveillance zones have a wider perimeter with additional but less restrictive controls. The updated annex determines exactly which municipalities or territories fall into each category.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact for companies in restricted zones is the halt or severe limitation of commercial activity. Movements of poultry, eggs and poultry products from and to the delimited zones are subject to authorisation and health controls that may slow down or block the supply chain.

The specific operational effects include:

• Restriction on product dispatches: operators cannot dispatch poultry, eggs or poultry products from a restricted zone without complying with the established health requirements.
• Restriction on incoming goods: they also cannot receive birds or products from delimited zones without the corresponding controls.
• Reinforced health controls: companies located in affected zones must implement and document additional biosecurity and animal health measures.
• Impact on exports: operators exporting poultry products to third countries must verify whether their zones of origin are included in the annex, as destinations may reject shipments or require additional certifications.
• Risk of contract breaches: restrictions may prevent the fulfilment of delivery commitments, with the consequent contractual and reputational impact.

Who is affected?

• Poultry producers with facilities in protection or surveillance zones delimited in the updated annex.
• Processing companies for poultry and derived products (slaughterhouses, cutting plants, egg industry) located in affected zones.
• Trade and distribution operators transporting poultry, eggs or poultry products from or to restricted zones.
• Exporters of poultry products whose territories of origin are included in the annex of Decision 2026/721.
• Importers and buyers receiving supply from potentially affected zones who must verify the origin of their products.
• Logistics operators and carriers managing routes that cross or have origin/destination in delimited zones.

Practical example

An egg processing company with a production plant in a zone that has been included in the updated annex as a protection zone faces the following situation:

• It cannot dispatch eggs or egg products from its plant without complying with the reinforced health controls established by the emergency regulation.
• It must verify whether its poultry suppliers are also in a restricted zone, which could affect the supply of raw materials.
• If it has active export contracts, it must inform its customers of the situation and review whether the usual health certificates remain valid or require additional documentation.
• It must implement and document the reinforced biosecurity measures required for companies in protection zones, which entails additional costs in personnel, materials and document management.

The first step is to consult the updated annex of Decision 2026/721 in the Official Journal of the EU to confirm whether the specific zone is included and in which category (protection or surveillance).

What should companies do now?

1. Consult the updated annex of Decision 2026/721 on EUR-Lex to verify whether the facilities or product origin zones are included in the maps of protection or surveillance zones.
2. Identify the type of zone (protection or surveillance) in which they are located, as restrictions and obligations differ according to the category.
3. Review product movement flows (inbound and outbound movements of poultry, eggs and poultry products) to identify which operations are affected by the restrictions.
4. Implement the reinforced health controls required for companies in delimited zones and document all measures adopted.
5. Communicate the situation to affected customers and suppliers, especially if there are ongoing supply or export contracts.
6. Verify the validity of health certificates for active exports and contact the competent authorities if additional documentation needs to be obtained.
7. Monitor updates to the annex, as delimited zones may be expanded, reduced or removed depending on the evolution of outbreaks.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026D0721