Recent outbreaks of avian influenza in Poland are having a significant impact on the nation’s egg industry, raising concerns about export performance in the forthcoming months, according to industry representatives.
Since the beginning of 2026, Poland has reported dozens of bird flu outbreaks across several key poultry-producing regions. These outbreaks have led to necessary culling measures and the enforcement of strict biosecurity protocols, which have not only disrupted production but have also diminished farmer confidence.
The ramifications on the national flock are evident. Reports indicate that since autumn 2025, Poland’s laying hen population has decreased by approximately 7.5 million birds, accounting for around 15% of the total. This decline has particularly affected regions with high farm densities, where the spread of the virus has been rapid. Farmers explained to local publication Wieści Rolnicze that rebuilding capacity will take several months. However, ongoing outbreaks almost weekly raise uncertainties about a sustained recovery, pushing some producers to delay restocking to avoid further losses.
Limited Immediate Export Impact
In March 2026, Poland’s chief veterinary inspectorate implemented restrictions on egg exports from affected regions to North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kyrgyzstan. Nevertheless, these measures are not expected to significantly disrupt overall export volumes, as noted by Katarzyna Gawrońska, president of the National Chamber of Poultry and Feed Producers.
“North Macedonia has never been a major buyer of Polish eggs, so these restrictions are not anticipated to materially affect the supply chain,” she stated.
Nonetheless, exports are a crucial component of the sector, with estimates suggesting that between 35% and 45% of Poland’s egg production is sold internationally. The demand for exports has provided Polish farmers with the flexibility in their pricing strategies, enabling them to maintain a balance in domestic supply and keep retail prices relatively competitive despite tightening outputs.
Rising Competition Adds Pressure
Simultaneously, Polish poultry producers are encountering mounting competition in export markets, notably within the European Union.
“A significant challenge we face is the growing presence of non-EU suppliers, including Ukraine, Turkey, and Brazil, in the European market,” Gawrońska explained, emphasizing that these competitors are increasingly aggressive on pricing.
Local media outlets have cautioned that if the outbreak situation does not stabilize soon, the cumulative effects could jeopardize Poland’s standing in key export markets and hinder recovery efforts well into 2027.
