Egypt denies unusual epidemiological indicators in poultry sector

CAIRO – 26 February 2026: In response to reports circulated on some social media platforms regarding alleged unnatural deaths in the poultry sector, central and branch committees have been formed in cooperation with the Central Laboratory for Poultry Production Control, as well as the reference and branch laboratories affiliated with the Animal Health Research Institute across all governorates.

These committees are tasked with inspecting poultry farms of all sizes and implementing various epidemiological surveillance plans as part of the state’s ongoing strategic framework.

Hamed Al-Aqnas of the General Authority for Veterinary Services stated that no unusual epidemiological indicators have been detected since the beginning of January. Monitoring activities included visits to 654 poultry farms and the collection of 8,086 pre-sale samples from chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail, and ostriches.

Laboratory tests confirmed the absence of any new strains or viruses in the sector. The observed mortality rates were found to be within normal seasonal ranges and, in some cases, linked to farm management practices, inadequate implementation of vaccination programs, or climate fluctuations that may activate seasonal viruses.

Al-Aqnas added that the Authority continues to implement the national vaccination plan, with more than 874,000 birds vaccinated across various governorates since the start of the year. Additionally, 2,716 farms were inspected to ensure compliance with biosecurity measures.

He further noted that 22 new facilities were registered in 2025, bringing the total number of approved export facilities free from avian influenza to 59 isolated establishments listed on the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) website. The accreditation process for an additional 18 facilities is currently underway.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tarek Suleiman, Head of the Livestock and Poultry Development Sector, confirmed that these efforts have contributed to increased production compared to last year. Broiler chicken production rose by 14 percent to 1.6 billion birds, up from 1.4 billion. Table egg production increased to 16 billion eggs, compared to 14 billion last year. Local breed chicken production also grew by 12.5 percent, reaching 360 million birds compared to 320 million previously.