Jul 10, 2025
Compensation targets losses from avian flu outbreaks in key regions
The European Commission has announced a significant financial aid package for Polish farmers affected by avian flu. A total of €14 million will be allocated to compensate for losses incurred due to the outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Poland.
Background and Context
Between August 2021 and August 2023, Poland reported 193 outbreaks of avian flu, severely impacting its poultry sector. The outbreaks affected various poultry species, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks, leading to substantial losses in egg and meat production. The Polish government, in response, implemented stringent control measures, including the establishment of protection and surveillance zones to curb the disease's spread.
Market Implications
The financial aid from the EU is expected to cover 50% of the costs incurred by Poland in supporting affected farmers. This assistance is crucial as Poland is a significant player in the EU poultry market, producing 21% of its poultry meat. However, the outbreaks have disrupted production and export activities, with the culling of millions of birds and the destruction of eggs and meat.
The compensation aims to stabilise the market by helping farmers recover from these losses. However, the aid is contingent upon farmers not having received other forms of compensation, such as state aid or insurance payouts. Payments are expected to be completed by February 2026.
Challenges and Measures
Despite the financial support, the Polish poultry industry faces ongoing challenges. The European Commission has expressed concerns over Poland's measures to control the outbreaks, which threaten the intra-EU market. As a result, stringent biosecurity measures have been agreed upon, including mandatory vaccination and enhanced surveillance protocols.
The situation underscores the broader issue of animal health across Europe, where diseases like Newcastle disease and African Swine Fever are also prevalent. These outbreaks highlight the need for comprehensive disease management strategies to protect the livestock sector and ensure food security.