An implementing regulation removes protection zone status for foot-and-mouth disease in Botswana and suspends HPAI-free certification for zones in three third countries. Re-authorisations cover zones where earlier outbreaks have been resolved
The European Commission published Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/914 on 23 April 2026. It amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, which lists the third countries and zones from which the EU authorises imports of animals, germinal products, and animal products.
The regulation suspends four Botswana zones listed for foot-and-mouth disease free status: BW-1, BW-2, BW-3, and BW-5. Imports of live animals and animal products from those zones halt immediately upon entry into force. Botswana had maintained disease-free status in those zones for several years. The current outbreak warrants suspension until the competent authority confirms re-establishment of FMD control.
For highly pathogenic avian influenza, the regulation suspends import authorisations for zones in three countries. In Canada, the affected area covers Saskatchewan province. In the United Kingdom, outbreaks in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire trigger the suspension. In the United States, affected zones lie in Arkansas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. These suspensions cover live poultry, hatching eggs, and fresh poultry meat from the named zones.
The regulation simultaneously re-authorises zones in countries where earlier outbreak controls have succeeded. Areas previously suspended following resolved HPAI outbreaks return to normal import status. Operators importing live poultry, hatching eggs, and poultry products from any affected zone should verify current authorisation status before shipments depart. Export health certificate requirements change on the date of entry into force.
