Bird flu: Central Macedonia renews poultry biosecurity warning
The region links increased risk to outbreaks in neighbouring countries and wild-bird migration. Its reminder distinguishes confinement rules from recommendations and calls for prompt veterinary reporting.
The Veterinary Directorate of the Region of Central Macedonia warns of increased risk of avian influenza reappearing in Greece in its announcement of 3 November 2026. It asks poultry keepers, including backyard owners, to follow existing biosecurity measures.
The authority reports recent highly pathogenic cases in Bulgarian poultry farms, an outbreak in an Albanian backyard flock in mid-October and more positive wild birds in European countries. It links its risk assessment to expected migratory-bird movements. This is a prevention warning, not an announcement of a newly confirmed Greek outbreak.
Where the outdoor-keeping prohibition applies
The region refers to ministerial decision 258971 of 26 August 2008, as amended in 2017. It recalls the prohibition on keeping poultry outdoors within two kilometres of wetlands, rivers, lakes and other water bodies with large concentrations of wild waterbirds.
In those areas, it describes restrictions on free-range and organic poultry holdings, with an exception for facilities with the qualifying verandas under EU Regulation 848/2018, preventing outdoor access and contact with wild birds. Today’s reminder is not presented as a new blanket prohibition for every holding nationwide.
What keepers and organisations should do
Even where confinement is not compulsory, the region recommends keeping poultry indoors at least until the end of April. This recommendation is distinct from the obligation in the specified areas.
Keepers must promptly notify veterinary authorities of increased poultry illness or mortality so sampling can take place. Organisations frequently in contact with wild birds are also asked to report suspicious incidents involving high-risk species. The announcement does not set a new universal expiry date for the measures.
English translation of the Greek edition · Read in Greek