The European poultry sector faces mounting pressure from a resurgent wave of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with outbreak frequency significantly exceeding 2024 levels and raising critical supply chain concerns across member states.
On October 7, 2025, Dutch authorities ordered the culling of 71,000 chickens at a northern Netherlands facility following confirmed H5N1 detection, marking the country’s first outbreak since March. The Dutch government has refrained from implementing nationwide indoor confinement measures. However, an expert animal disease panel is convening for a comprehensive risk assessment, signaling heightened regulatory vigilance.
Through September, commercial operations recorded 263 HPAI cases across 20 member states, already 58% of 2024’s full-year total of 451 outbreaks. Hungary leads with 105 outbreaks, followed by Poland (90) and Italy (21), indicating concentrated regional impact zones. September data show continued spread with Spain (3 outbreaks), Germany (2), and Norway’s first 2025 farm case.
The viral pathogen was detected at a goose breeding establishment and a turkey production facility, both situated in Susz, culminating in approximately 4,000 avian fatalities, as per official Polish administrative documentation. Although the outbreak has not impacted chicken production operations, elevated apprehensions have materialized throughout Poland’s poultry industry, particularly considering the seasonal escalation of this virulent pathogen alongside persistent Newcastle Disease occurrences.
Industry sources indicate that while the current outbreak has not affected broiler populations, any future transmission to these operations could precipitate acute supply shortages within the marketplace.
This outbreak trajectory, predominantly driven by the H5N1 serotype, demands immediate attention from procurement teams and supply chain managers monitoring European poultry markets. The current pace suggests 2025 could substantially exceed the previous year’s impact levels, potentially affecting pricing dynamics and supply availability through Q4.
Image source: Adobe
Written by Rutika Ghodekar
