VIENNA, April 3, 2026 — Austria will end mandatory poultry housing measures on Saturday, April 4, as health authorities downgrade the bird flu risk from "highly increased" to "increased." The Austrian Health Ministry announced the decision Friday, citing declining infection rates with the arrival of spring. While the confinement order will be lifted, poultry farmers must still protect birds from contact with wild animals and rigorously clean transportation vehicles, loading areas, and equipment. A case of bird flu was previously confirmed at a small poultry farm in Burgenland on November 17, prompting heightened measures. Officials emphasized that ongoing precautions remain critical despite the relaxed restrictions. No additional outbreaks have been reported since winter, allowing for the phased easing of controls. The ministry did not specify whether further updates to the risk assessment are expected in the coming weeks.