The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration raises the threat level for avian influenza

As of today, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration is raising the threat level for avian influenza infection from medium to high. This is based on a risk assessment showing an increasing number of detections of avian influenza in wild birds in Denmark and neighboring European countries. The findings indicate that the infection is now widespread among the wild bird population, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration writes in a press release. The increased threat level means that, starting Monday, November 9, 2026, poultry and other birds in captivity must be kept indoors or under cover. The purpose is to protect domesticated birds from infection by wild birds. “The autumn migration of wild birds is currently increasing the risk of infection spreading to Danish bird holdings, and with three outbreaks in poultry flocks within a short period, it is clear that the infection pressure has increased. We expect more detections of avian influenza in wild birds in the coming period, and it is therefore necessary to strengthen infection protection through additional preventive measures, including requirements for covering enclosures,” explains Mette Kirkeskov Sie, head of a unit at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The escalation to the highest threat level follows last week’s detection of avian influenza in two large turkey flocks in southwestern Zealand and Lolland, comprising a total of 67,000 turkeys, as well as a third outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a smaller flock in Guldborgsund consisting of 50 chickens, 8 geese, and 3 peacocks, all of which have been culled. **Ducks and geese may be exempt from the covering requirement** Mette Kirkeskov Sie emphasizes that everyone who keeps poultry must pay extra attention to infection protection. However, owners of chicken flocks whose total enclosure area is 40 square meters or less are exempt from the covering requirement, although the birds must be kept inside the enclosure. Owners of duck and goose flocks are also exempt from the covering requirement if they limit the birds’ outdoor area and ensure that wild birds cannot land inside the enclosure. For all bird owners, feeding and access to water troughs must take place under cover so that wild birds cannot access the feed and water. In addition, surface water and rainwater accessible to the birds must not be contaminated by wild bird droppings. The highly contagious avian influenza causes severe symptoms in poultry and leads to high mortality among the animals. Poultry producers can follow the current infection situation on the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s website.