Suspected avian influenza — what to do and how to report
Every hour of delay increases the risk to your flock and neighbouring farms. Find out which steps to take immediately after noticing warning signs, and how to effectively report a suspected case of avian influenza (HPAI) to the relevant authorities.
verifiedFrom the team that has organised work on poultry farms for years.
Why a fast response matters
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) can devastate an entire flock within days. The sooner the district veterinary inspector (PLW) is notified, the sooner veterinary services can take containment action that protects your farm and neighbouring holdings. The obligation to report without delay is set out directly in national and EU legislation — failure to comply can result in sanctions.
When to suspect HPAI
A suspicion of HPAI is warranted when you observe: sudden, mass mortality (several percent of the flock within a day), a sharp drop in feed or water consumption, bluish discolouration of the comb and skin, nervous signs, severe swelling of the head and neck, or a significant fall in egg production. See the /ptasia-grypa-objawy-u-drobiu page for more on symptoms. If you notice even some of these signs — act immediately, do not wait for confirmation.
What to do when avian influenza is suspected
- 1
Contact the district veterinary inspector (PLW) immediately
This is your primary legal obligation. Call the District Veterinary Inspectorate responsible for your farm location. You can find the number on your district council website or in the inspectorate listing at wetgiw.gov.pl. Provide: the farm location, the number of birds and flock size, the symptoms you have observed and the estimated number of deaths, and when the abnormalities were first noticed.
- 2
Impose an absolute ban on moving poultry and products off the farm
Until the PLW issues a decision, no poultry, eggs, manure or veterinary equipment may leave the holding. The ban also covers unauthorised entry by persons. Inform all staff and anyone who has had contact with the flock. Record who was on the farm in the past 48 hours — the inspection will ask.
- 3
Isolate the suspected birds from the rest of the flock
If signs are limited to part of a house or one building, restricted movement within the farm for isolation purposes is permitted only where it does not put other birds at risk — and only until the PLW arrives and gives further instructions. Do not move birds between farms.
- 4
Tighten on-site biosecurity
Limit access to poultry houses to the absolute minimum of staff needed. Use separate protective clothing and disinfect hands and footwear on entry and exit every time. Do not enter an affected house without full protection. Ensure that wastewater and manure do not leave the farm zone.
- 5
Compile an up-to-date flock inventory and documentation
Write down or update: the total number of birds in each house, the number of deaths since abnormalities began (day by day), and the pattern of symptoms (which birds, which buildings). The PLW and Veterinary Inspectorate will need this data immediately on arrival. If you use DlaFerm.pl, this information is available in the Flock Card.
- 6
Wait for the PLW to arrive and follow their instructions
The PLW will take samples for laboratory testing and issue written orders. Until preliminary results are available, treat the situation as a confirmed suspicion. All further decisions — including any culling — are made by the PLW in cooperation with the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (GIW). Do not take any action on your own that could hinder the epizootic investigation.
What NOT to do when HPAI is suspected
Mistakes made in the first hours can significantly hamper outbreak control and expose you to liability.
Do not wait for certainty
You are reporting a suspicion, not a confirmed case. It is the role of the veterinary services to assess the situation. Delay can cost you the whole flock.
Do not move poultry or eggs
Even if a loading or egg collection is already scheduled — stop it. Moving infected birds or products risks rapid spread of the virus and criminal liability.
Do not remove dead birds from the farm yourself
Dead birds are diagnostic material. Keep them in a sealed container on the farm premises and hand them over for disposal only on the instruction of the PLW.
Do not contact the media or post online before notifying the PLW
Information about a suspected HPAI case must reach the veterinary services first. Public announcements before official confirmation can cause panic and complicate the investigation.
Do not disinfect without agreement
Disinfection carried out before the PLW has taken samples can make diagnosis impossible and expose you to charges of obstructing proceedings.
Frequently asked questions about suspected avian influenza
Where do I report a suspected case of avian influenza?add
You report to the District Veterinary Inspectorate (PLW) responsible for the location of your farm. Phone numbers for all district inspectorates are available on the website of the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate: wetgiw.gov.pl. If in doubt, you can also contact the GIW directly via the contact form on their website.
How quickly must I report a suspicion?add
Regulations require immediate notification — meaning as soon as possible after observing worrying signs. There is no statutory deadline in hours, but any delay can result in administrative sanctions and put other farms at risk.
What if the PLW is unreachable?add
District inspectorates are required to maintain a telephone duty roster. If you cannot reach the PLW, contact the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate (wetgiw.gov.pl) or use the gov.pl website for Veterinary Inspectorate contacts. Document every attempt to make contact (date, time, number called).
Does the movement ban cover hatching eggs as well?add
Yes. Until the PLW issues a decision, no products from the holding — including table eggs, hatching eggs and manure — may leave the farm. The ban applies by operation of law from the moment a suspicion is reported.
What happens after HPAI is confirmed by the laboratory?add
The PLW together with the GIW establishes protection and surveillance zones around the outbreak (typically 3 km and 10 km respectively), issues orders for the management of the flock and may order culling. Farmers with confirmed HPAI may apply for state compensation for culled flocks and production losses.
Must I comply with bans while results are still pending?add
Yes. Bans and orders issued by the PLW are binding from the moment they are issued, regardless of whether laboratory results are yet available. You operate under a "suspicion" status until an official communication confirming the absence of HPAI or confirming infection is issued.
Questions about biosecurity or HPAI?
Write to us — we will help you set up monitoring and the entry log in DlaFerm.pl so you are prepared before a threat appears.
Phone
+48 796 258 151