March 20, 2026

Poultry farmers in Luxembourg not required to confine birds in enclosed spaces

Farmers in Luxembourg are no longer required to confine their poultry in enclosed spaces, as the country announced on March 16 that it would lift measures imposed last year during an outbreak of avian flu.

The outbreak of bird flu, which swept Europe last autumn and arrived in Luxembourg in mid-October, was originally found in wild herons in Howald and Rumelange. The government responded with strict sanitation rules on poultry farmers to prevent any possible spread.

On March 16, the agriculture ministry and the Luxembourg food safety authority, Administration Luxembourgeoise Vétérinaire et Alimentaire (ALVA), announced that the measures have "now been relaxed". This comes "following the favourable evolution of the health situation regarding avian influenza in Luxembourg", the two bodies said in a joint press release.

Other measures that have also been lifted include the ban on poultry exhibitions and fairs, as well as poultry markets.

"Although confinement is no longer mandatory, it remains strongly recommended to limit any residual risk," the press release said. "Although the situation is currently under control, vigilance remains essential."

The last case of avian bird flu recorded in Luxembourg was on February 9, 2026, the statement added.

- Luxembourg Times