New EU resources aim to curb bird flu risk

A range of resources to help farmers prevent the spread of avian influenza have been published.

This comes as Europe prepares for the autumn bird migration season.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission have released the practical resources under a campaign called #NoBirdFlu.

Outbreaks of avian influenza – also known as bird flu – can have serious consequences for animal health, food production, farmers’ livelihoods, and public health.

However, simple preventive measures can reduce the risks.

Keep bird flu out

The campaign promotes five simple biosecurity measures that can help prevent the introduction and spread of avian influenza, especially on small farms and among backyard flocks:

Control access to farms;

Maintain effective cleaning and disinfection routines;

Prevent contact with wild birds;

Keep poultry species separate;

Recognise signs of disease and act early.

EFSA’s executive director, Nikolaus Kriz said that bird flu prevention starts with everyday biosecurity.

“#NoBirdFlu helps turn scientific knowledge into simple actions that farmers, small flockholders and veterinarians can apply before the virus reaches the farm,” Kriz said.

European Commission deputy director general for food sustainability, Clare Bury said that by working together across member states and sectors, “we can help reduce the risk of outbreaks and protect animal health, food production and livelihoods”.

“As migratory birds cross Europe, the risk of avian influenza increases. Bird flu does not stop at borders,” Bury said.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects poultry and wild water birds.

Outbreaks can devastate poultry populations, disrupt supply chains and harm farmers’ livelihoods.

They can also have an impact on public health.

Bird flu cases in Europe typically rise during the winter months when migratory birds travel across the continent.

Detections

Between October 2025 and June 2026, almost 8,000 outbreaks were detected in Europe.

Detections in wild birds were four times higher than in the previous winter.

On poultry farms, most infections came from indirect contact with wild birds.

Ireland had a challenging winter, with a number of outbreaks affecting commercial poultry sites.

France announces bird flu support

France was hugely impacted by bird flu.

During the 2025-2026 epidemiological season, France experienced a significant resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza: 156 outbreaks were identified, including 125 in commercial poultry farms.

To prevent further spread, sanitary measures, including restrictions on poultry movement in regulated areas, were implemented.

These measures had economic consequences across the entire poultry production chain, extending beyond the affected farms themselves.

To address these repercussions, French Minister of Agriculture Annie Genevard this week announced the implementation of an economic aid scheme for hatchery, downstream and collection companies.

With a budget of €10 million, this scheme aims to support businesses in these three sectors that have suffered a substantial loss of activity due to measures to combat the spread.

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