The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission have released practical resources for farmers under a campaign called #NoBirdFlu, timed for the start of the autumn bird migration season, when avian influenza cases across Europe typically rise.

The campaign promotes five biosecurity measures aimed especially at small farms and backyard flocks: control access to the farm; keep up effective cleaning and disinfection routines; prevent contact with wild birds; keep poultry species separate; and recognise the signs of disease and act early. "#NoBirdFlu helps turn scientific knowledge into simple actions that farmers, small flockholders and veterinarians can apply before the virus reaches the farm," said EFSA executive director Nikolaus Kriz.

Clare Bury, deputy director general for food sustainability at the Commission, said working together across member states and sectors would "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," she said.

The scale of last season explains the urgency. Between October 2025 and June 2026 almost 8,000 outbreaks were detected in Europe, and detections in wild birds were four times higher than the previous winter. On poultry farms most infections came from indirect contact with wild birds. Ireland had a difficult winter with several outbreaks on commercial poultry sites.

France was hit hardest. In the 2025–2026 season it recorded 156 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, 125 of them on commercial poultry farms, and imposed movement restrictions in regulated zones that hurt the whole production chain. This week French agriculture minister Annie Genevard announced a €10 million aid scheme for hatcheries, downstream businesses and collection companies that lost substantial activity because of the control measures.

The disease mainly affects poultry and wild water birds, can devastate flocks, disrupt supply chains and threaten public health. Kathleen O'Sullivan reported the campaign for Agriland.

Source: Agriland