The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission are campaigning for strong biosecurity measures on poultry farms. The #NoBirdFlu campaign, launched in September, provides practical guidance on biosecurity and preventing avian influenza, especially for backyard flocks and medium-sized poultry farms. The campaign emphasizes the responsibility of everyone working at or visiting poultry holdings to maintain good biosecurity practices.
The spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to poultry farms would result in significant economic losses due to the culling and disposal of infected birds and the decontamination of facilities. The poultry industry and related businesses would also suffer major losses due to disruptions in food production and the halt of international trade.
Avian influenza primarily affects birds, but the viruses also have zoonotic potential. If the virus were to mutate into a form that spreads easily between humans, it could lead to the emergence of a new pandemic virus.
The risk of avian influenza increases during bird migration in autumn and spring. Proactive measures at poultry farms are crucial to prevent the virus from entering and spreading. Every person working on or visiting animal facilities can contribute to poultry safety.
Communication toolkit supports avian influenza prevention
EFSA has compiled a communication toolkit to support poultry keepers in preventing avian influenza. The materials are available in all EU languages and include:
- A detailed infographic with guidance on hygiene, protective equipment, and movement control on farms.
- Posters reminding of key biosecurity measures as part of daily routines.
- Ready-to-use social media content (e.g., stickers, posts) for sharing.
The communication toolkit is a joint effort by EFSA and the European Commission, reflecting their shared commitment to preventing animal disease outbreaks and ensuring the sustainability of the EU poultry sector.
The European Commission has requested that EFSA conducts research into the risk perception of farmers, veterinarians, and farm workers in Europe on avian influenza to understand how to best tailor future awareness campaigns. This data will inform a broader EU-wide initiative in 2026, designed to strengthen preparedness plans against avian influenza and help reduce the risk of future pandemics.
EFSA encourages participation in the #NoBirdFlu campaign and support in sharing the materials. The idea is that by spreading messages about improving poultry biosecurity, stakeholders and partners across EU Member States and beyond can significantly contribute to stopping the spread of avian influenza in Europe.
You can download the shareable content from the communication toolkit here.
Read more:
- EFSA’s news article on the campaign
- No to Bird Flu: Protect Your Farm! (on EFSA’s website)
- Avian Influenza (on EFSA’s website)
- Avian Influenza (on the Finnish Food Authority’s website)