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On Tuesday 6 January 2026, Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture announced the easing of earlier enhanced prevention measures on avian influenza (H5N1; bird flu).
In response to favourable health developments in the Grand Duchy, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) has lifted the ban on exhibitions, fairs and markets involving poultry or captive birds, and removed the obligation to confine poultry in closed premises.
Although confinement is no longer mandatory, ALVA strongly recommends to keep several ongoing measures in order to limit any residual risk, including:
- access to outdoor areas protected by nets to reduce contact with wild birds and minimise the risk of the virus being introduced;
- feeding and watering under shelter or inside the henhouse;
- respecting biosecurity rules scrupulously;
- reporting immediately to a veterinarian any abnormal mortality, any clinical sign suggesting avian flu or any unusual drop in production parameters.
ALVA recalled that avian flu remains a highly contagious viral disease to which almost all bird species are at risk of infection.
However, the consumption of poultry meat and eggs does not pose any risk to consumer health.
With the last positive case in Luxembourg recorded on 5 December 2025, ALVA confirmed avian flu in 22 wild birds, while no poultry farms have been affected.
ALVA reminded that vigilance remains essential and insisted that any import of poultry must, without exception, be accompanied by a health certification (TRACES) issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin. This obligation also applies when poultry is purchased at a market.
