Key data
| Regulation | Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/134 of 20 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Modified regulation | Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 |
| Official publication | 27 March 2026 |
| Entry into force | 9 February 2026 |
| Affected parties | Veterinary authorities, livestock farmers, companion animal operators and health organizations |
| Category | European Regulation |
| CELEX reference | 32026R0134 |
Livestock farmers, veterinary clinics and companion animal operators have new animal health surveillance obligations as of 9 February 2026. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/134, published on 27 March 2026, amends the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 to update control rules against Echinococcus multilocularis, a zoonotic parasite with the capacity to transmit to humans.
The regulation is not a preventive warning: it is already in force. Any livestock farm or facility working with domestic or wild carnivores must review its protocols now.
What does this regulation establish?
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/134 introduces changes in two specific areas of Regulation (EU) 2020/689:
- Surveillance standards: The surveillance programmes that must be implemented by Member States and competent veterinary authorities to detect and control the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis in the animal population are updated.
- Disease-free status: The requirements that territories or farms must meet to obtain or maintain official recognition as areas free from this disease are modified.
The parasite mainly affects dogs, foxes and other carnivores, which act as definitive hosts. The risk to humans—classified as a zoonosis—justifies the strengthening of epidemiological control at European level.
| Aspect | Regulation (EU) 2020/689 (previous) | Regulation (EU) 2026/134 (new) |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance standards | General surveillance framework for listed diseases | Updated and specific standards for Echinococcus multilocularis |
| Disease-free status | General requirements for obtaining and maintaining | Revised and strengthened requirements for this specific parasite |
| Traceability in intra-community trade | General epidemiological control | Explicit strengthening of traceability and control in movements between Member States |
Economic and operational impact
The regulation does not set specific economic sanctions in the available text, but its operational implications are direct for several types of operators:
- Adaptation of internal protocols: Livestock farms and facilities working with carnivores will have to review and update their animal health control and notification procedures to align with the new surveillance programmes.
- Impact on intra-community trade: Operators moving animals between EU Member States may face new documentary or health requirements arising from the strengthening of traceability and epidemiological control.
- Cost of veterinary adaptation: Veterinary clinics and animal health services will have to update their diagnostic and notification protocols, which may involve staff training and procedure review.
- Risk of loss of disease-free status: Territories or farms that currently maintain this official recognition must verify that they comply with the new requirements to avoid losing it, which would have direct consequences for their commercial operations.
Who does it affect?
- Livestock farmers with farms where domestic animals and potentially wildlife (foxes, in particular) coexist.
- Veterinarians and veterinary clinics that care for dogs and other domestic carnivores, and that must adapt their control and notification protocols.
- Companion animal operators: breeders, boarding facilities, pet shops and any facility that handles dogs or other carnivores.
- Competent veterinary authorities at national and regional level, responsible for implementing the updated surveillance programmes.
- Intra-community animal trade operators who export or import animals between EU countries and must comply with the new traceability requirements.
- Health organizations involved in zoonosis control and in managing the disease-free status of their territories.
Practical example
A livestock farm in a rural area where the presence of wild foxes is common keeps working dogs in contact with the environment. Until now, its health controls followed the general framework of Regulation (EU) 2020/689.
With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2026/134 on 9 February 2026, this farm must review whether its surveillance protocols against Echinococcus multilocularis comply with the new specific requirements. If the area has recognized disease-free status, the farm operator must ensure that the controls carried out on its animals—especially dogs—meet the new criteria to maintain that official recognition.
If it wishes to market animals to another EU Member State, it will have to certify that the animals come from an area or farm that complies with the traceability and epidemiological control requirements strengthened by this regulation.
What should companies do now?
- Review current surveillance protocols against Echinococcus multilocularis and compare them with the new requirements of Regulation (EU) 2026/134, which has been in force since 9 February 2026.
- Contact the competent veterinary authority in your autonomous community to learn how the new surveillance programmes are implemented at national level and what specific obligations arise for your type of farm or facility.
- Verify disease-free status if your farm or territory has this official recognition: check that the controls carried out comply with the new criteria to avoid losing it.
- Update animal health documentation for animals intended for intra-community trade, incorporating the new traceability and epidemiological control requirements required for movements between EU Member States.
- Train veterinary and technical staff on the changes introduced, especially regarding the new notification and control protocols.
Frequently asked questions
When did the new Echinococcus multilocularis surveillance standards become mandatory?
The new standards established by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/134 entered into force on 9 February 2026, although the regulation was officially published on 27 March 2026.
What animals are affected by the Echinococcus multilocularis regulation?
The regulation mainly affects dogs, foxes and other carnivores, which are the usual hosts of the parasite. It also has implications for livestock farms and companion animal operators working with these species.
What changes compared to the previous Regulation (EU) 2020/689?
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/134 introduces specific and updated surveillance standards for Echinococcus multilocularis and revises the requirements for obtaining and maintaining disease-free status, with explicit strengthening of traceability and control in intra-community movements.