Bird Flu Case Found in Schengen, Officials Warn Poultry Owners

Luxembourg health authorities have confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) at a private poultry flock in the municipality of Schengen, part of a wider rise in bird flu infections across Europe.

The case was identified on February 5, 2026, prompting the Luxembourg Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture to issue urgent guidance to bird owners. The virus — known to be extremely contagious among birds — has been spreading along wild bird migration routes this winter, increasing the risk of spill-over into domestic flocks.

Veterinary authorities are advising that all poultry be kept indoors and that contact with wild birds be strictly avoided to protect domestic birds from infection. Biosecurity measures such as feeding and watering birds in closed spaces, restricting access to outdoor areas, and reporting any sudden sickness or deaths to a veterinarian are being strongly recommended to help limit the spread.

This development comes amid reports from the European Commission’s disease monitoring system that multiple European states are dealing with highly pathogenic H5N1 outbreaks in poultry, underscoring how widespread bird flu has become on the continent this season.

Wild bird populations remain a key concern for disease transmission, as recent surveillance across Europe has documented extensive HPAI detections in migratory species, further highlighting the need for vigilance and strong preventive practices.

Although the avian influenza virus causes serious disease in birds, officials note that the current strain’s risk to human health remains low, and standard precautions — such as avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds — are advised.

👉 Read more: https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/02-fevrier/06-influenza-aviaire.html

....................................................................................................................................................................................................

Join Luxembourg Expats, the #1 homegrown community for expats in Luxembourg. Connect with people and businesses locally - discover expats focused local services, buy and sell items, find housing and apartment rentals and buys, events, discounts and meet people to make friends - all in one expats companion app in Luxembourg.

Sign up free at www.luxembourgexpats.lu and become part of Luxembourg’s trusted expats network.