EU to allocate 27.2 million euros to Italy to compensate farmers affected by bird flu

Between 23 October 2021 and 31 December 2021, Italy confirmed and notified 294 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5. The affected species were chickens, laying hens, turkeys, ducks and guinea fowls. Italy immediately and effectively took all necessary veterinary measures, including measures to strengthen control, monitoring and prevention. But the outbreak of the virus has led to losses in the production of hatching eggs, consumer eggs, live poultry and poultry MEAT in farms located in movement restrictions, as well as losses due to destroyed and low-quality eggs and meat.

At the official request of Italy, the Commission, after careful consideration, decided to cover with EU funds 50% of the costs incurred by Italy to support the egg and poultry market in areas severely affected by outbreaks of avian influenza. Only farms located in these regulated areas through the end of 2021 will be eligible for this support and payments must be made by September 30, 2023 to be eligible for partial Union funding.

Following the official approval of this support measure by the Commission, the implementing regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and is expected to enter into force in the second half of April 2023.