Luxembourg - Avian influenza in wild birds 2025-2026

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To avoid bird flu, poultry must be confined

Press release

22.10.2025
Last modified on 22.10.2025

As of October 22, 2025, two cases of avian flu were detected in two cranes found in Howald and Rumelange, announced the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA).

As there is also a general increase in avian influenza in European countries and especially on the migratory routes of wild animals, ALVA reminds poultry keepers that it is imperative to avoid all contact between domestic poultry and wild birds in order to protect each keeper's captive birds against avian influenza, this disease being highly contagious and fatal for these animals.
In order to prevent the introduction of this highly pathogenic virus into poultry farms, the following preventive biosecurity measures must be implemented:

• Poultry must be kept in closed premises;
• Feeding and watering must be carried out in premises which are not accessible to wild birds;
• Poultry may be allowed out of enclosed premises provided that the exit areas are protected by nets to avoid contact with wild birds;
• Biosecurity rules must be strictly observed;
• Any abnormal poultry mortality, any symptoms suggestive of avian flu or any change in production parameters (reduction in feed and/or water consumption, reduction in egg laying, abnormal mortality) must be reported to a veterinarian.

The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration insists that all poultry imports must be subject to health certification (TRACES) by an official veterinarian from the country of origin. This requirement also applies when purchasing poultry from a market.

Furthermore, it is recalled that this is an animal disease that affects birds and poultry and that it does not present a danger to public health in the event of consumption of eggs or poultry meat.

Communicated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture

https://ma.gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites.gouvernement2024+fr+actualites+toutes_actualites+communiques+2025+10-octobre+22-grippe-aviaire.html

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Published October 23, 2025, 08:00

Alert in Luxembourg:

Avian flu: "We are taking the situation very seriously"

Avian flu is back in Luxembourg. All poultry is now confined.

by Jean-François Colin

"We received the government's injunction Wednesday afternoon, and starting this Thursday morning, all our birds will remain indoors." Luc Emering, a Democratic Party member of Parliament, is also, and above all, a breeder. "We raise 6,000 laying hens and 5,000 chickens. It's an organic farm, so they're all free-range. Fortunately, we have large stables, which offer much more space than required by law. The birds will be confined there, and they even have a veranda that puts them in contact with the open air, without having access, for example, to other birds' droppings."

The breeder was reacting on Wednesday to the announcement of two cases of avian flu detected on cranes, one in Howald, the other in Rumelange. "It's this last case that worries us the most," the MP said, "because we are located in Sprinkange," about 5 km away as the crow flies. "It's very close!" This, while the last cases detected dated back to May 2023. The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) reacted immediately, imposing the confinement of all poultry in Luxembourg.

"No more visitors will be allowed in the stables."

Since the avian influenza virus is highly pathogenic, Luc Emering has taken all preventive biosecurity measures. "We are being extremely careful. For example, no visitors will be allowed in the stables. Because, in the case of avian flu, contamination is very rapid and the mortality rate is particularly high. In just a few hours, the entire herd can be infected. And if the disease occurs, the state can then decide to slaughter all the animals."

The Sprinkange MP and breeder is therefore taking the situation "very seriously." "While bringing the entire flock into the barn would not incur any costs, if the entire flock were to disappear, we would then have to buy new hens. However, production only begins after 21 weeks. Do the math: we would lose half a year. A significant loss of income!"

Because, while waiting for the arrival of a hypothetical vaccine, "which is being tested in the United States and Europe, we can do nothing other than take all preventive measures," concludes
Luc Emering.

https://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/story/alerte-au-luxembourg-grippe-aviaire-nous-prenons-la-situation-tres-au-serieux-103437958

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6918

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Strengthening preventive measures against avian flu

Press release
28.10.2025
Last modified on 28.10.2025

New cases of H5N1 avian influenza have been detected in wild birds in Luxembourg. Currently, nine cases have been reported in cranes and one in a heron.

This situation has led the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) to review the situation and raise the risk of the disease being introduced into our poultry farms to a high level.

Faced with this high risk of transmission of the virus from wild birds to domestic poultry, ALVA is strengthening preventive measures.

Additional measures

• Ban, until further notice, on all exhibitions, fairs and markets of poultry or captive birds.

ALVA emphasizes that the preventive measures introduced on October 22, 2025 remain fully in force:

• Poultry must be kept in closed premises;
• Feeding and watering must be done indoors or in a way that makes contact with wild birds impossible;
• Poultry may be allowed out of enclosed premises provided that the exit areas are protected by nets to avoid contact with wild birds;
• Biosecurity rules must be strictly observed;
• Any abnormal poultry mortality, any symptoms suggestive of avian flu or any change in production parameters (reduction in feed and/or water consumption, reduction in egg laying, abnormal mortality) must be reported to a veterinarian.

ALVA reminds that avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease to which almost all bird species are susceptible. The severity of the disease varies from one animal to another and depends on the viral strain, the environment, and any other infections. Contamination can occur through direct contact with sick animals or through exposure to contaminated material. Mammals can become infected in exceptional cases, for example, when they eat the carcass of an infected bird or when they come into close contact with the avian influenza virus. Contamination in humans is exceptional.

However, avian influenza does not pose a danger to public health if eggs or poultry meat are consumed.

Communicated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture

https://ma.gouvernement.lu/fr/actual...e-aviaire.html

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Avian flu: Professionals at risk of infection encouraged to get vaccinated against seasonal flu

Press release
30.10.2025
Last modified on 30.10.2025

Following the discovery of nine dead common cranes and one dead grey heron, all testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, increased vigilance is necessary. This is especially important for people who have professional or occasional contact with migratory birds, as well as for farm birds that could potentially be infected.

A rare but monitored risk: the emergence of new flu variants

Avian influenza rarely causes infection in humans. However, influenza viruses of different animal origins (avian, swine, or human) can reassort and form a new influenza virus variant.

The Health Directorate recommends seasonal flu vaccination for people likely to be exposed to avian flu.

Therefore, the Health Directorate recommends vaccination against seasonal influenza for people likely to be exposed to infected birds and thus avoid any risk of co-infection (and therefore viral reassortment).

This vaccination is strongly recommended for:

• Veterinarians and their assistants;
• Poultry farmers and livestock workers;
• Slaughterhouse workers, cleaning and disinfection workers for poultry farms;
• Agents of the Nature and Forest Administration (ANF) and forestry workers likely to handle dead or sick wild birds;
• Foresters and volunteers involved in the management of rural or hunting events involving wild birds;
• Wildlife personnel, including game wardens, banders and volunteers at animal care centers.

Vaccination can be carried out by the occupational physician and the general practitioner or treating physician.

Precautionary measures to take when a suspicious animal is discovered

People who handle wild birds must:

• Always wear disposable gloves, a mask preferably FFP2 and protective glasses;
• Avoid all direct contact with sick or dead birds;
• Report any discovery of a dead wild bird to the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) or to the ANF;
• Wash your hands thoroughly after any risky activity

Statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Security

https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualite...e-aviaire.html

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High risk of introduction of avian influenza virus

Press release
04.11.2025
Last modified on 04.11.2025

New cases of H5N1 avian influenza have been detected in wild birds in Luxembourg. Currently, 18 cases have been identified in herons and cranes.

The risk of introducing avian influenza into poultry farms therefore remains high. The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) reiterates the importance of strictly adhering to biosecurity measures and avoiding all contact with wild birds.

To avoid such contact, the confinement of poultry and captive birds inside breeding buildings must be strictly enforced.

Access to net-protected exit areas must be kept to a minimum and is only permitted for animal welfare reasons.

The obligation to feed and water all poultry and birds inside buildings remains in effect.

If you find a dead wild bird, please inform the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA).

Contact:
ALVA
Tel: (+352) 247-82539
E-mail: info@alva.etat.lu

Press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture


https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualite...e-aviaire.html

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Avian flu under control: confinement measures lifted and poultry shows reopen

Press release
Create the 06.01.2026
Last modified on 06.01.2026


The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) informs that, following the favorable development of the health situation concerning avian influenza (H5N1) in Luxembourg, the reinforced prevention measures put in place are now being relaxed.

Measures lifted:

• The ban on exhibitions, fairs and markets for poultry or captive birds has been lifted. These events can now be organized again.
• The requirement to confine poultry in enclosed premises is removed.

Recommendations remain unchanged:

• Although confinement is no longer mandatory, it remains strongly recommended to limit any remaining risk. Access to net-protected exit areas remains essential to limit contact with wild birds and minimize the risk of introducing the virus.
• Feeding and watering should continue to take place under shelter or inside the chicken coop.
• Biosecurity rules must be strictly followed.
• Any abnormal mortality, any clinical sign suggestive of avian influenza or any unusual drop in production parameters must be reported immediately to a veterinarian.

ALVA reminds us that avian influenza remains a highly contagious viral disease to which almost all bird species are susceptible.

The consumption of poultry meat and eggs does not pose a risk to the consumer's health.

Although the situation is currently under control, vigilance remains essential. It should be noted that the last positive case in Luxembourg was recorded on December 5, 2025. In total, ALVA has confirmed avian influenza in 22 wild birds, but no poultry farms have been affected.

The Administration emphasizes that all poultry imports must be accompanied by a health certificate (TRACES) issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin. This requirement also applies to poultry purchased at a market.

Press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture

https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/01-janvier/06-grippe-aviaire.html