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One of Latvia’s leading egg producers, SIA “Alūksnes Putnu fermm” (Alūksne Pultry Farm - part of the “Agrova Baltics” group), reports that in February and March 2026 at least four unauthorized intrusion attempts were detected within the company’s territory and production facilities, including incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). According to the company’s information, drones were used not only to monitor security movements in real time but also as part of coordinated attempts to gain access to the site. In several cases, individuals attempted to enter production premises through technical openings intended for manure removal systems
Hermanis Dovgijs, Chairman of the Board of SIA “Alūksne Poultry Farm”: “These actions pose exceptionally high biosecurity risks. In poultry farming, any uncontrolled access can lead to the introduction of infections, with potentially severe consequences for the entire industry. Therefore, we have referred the matter to law enforcement authorities. Some individuals involved have already been identified, several were temporarily detained, and work is ongoing to identify all persons involved and ensure accountability.”
Unauthorized access to production facilities creates serious biosecurity risks, which are critical in poultry farming. Such incidents may contribute to the spread of infections, endanger animal health, and disrupt production continuity. These risks are particularly elevated during the current bird migration period. Given the export-oriented nature of the sector, the consequences of such incidents may extend beyond a single company, negatively affecting exports and potentially causing losses amounting to tens of millions of euros.
These incidents are occurring alongside a broader public campaign directed against the company in recent weeks. The campaign has been initiated by the NGO “Dzīvnieku brīvība,” which publicly positions itself as an advocate for animal welfare. At the same time, in the company’s assessment, the methods used and the nature of the actions raise legitimate questions regarding their alignment with declared objectives and compliance with the law.
H. Dovgijs adds: “Our production facility in Alūksne continues to operate in a stable and uninterrupted manner. At the same time, in response to these incidents, we have strengthened security measures, engaged additional private security, and are cooperating closely with law enforcement authorities. Actions that compromise biosecurity cannot be considered legitimate or related to animal welfare protection. In our view, they pose significant risks both to the company’s operations and to the industry as a whole.”
“Alūksne Poultry Farm” supplies approximately 45% of Latvia’s egg consumption. The stability of its operations is therefore critical for national food security.
Guntis Gūtmanis, Chairman of the Board of LOSP (Lauksaimniecības organizāciju sadarbības padome - Agricultural Organizations Cooperation Council) “As an organization representing the agricultural sector in Latvia, we clearly understand the context of this situation and are genuinely concerned about the methods being used. Such actions are categorically condemnable, as they cast a shadow over the entire NGO sector and raise serious questions about the use of public and donor funds in line with declared objectives. At the same time, I would like to emphasize that the vast majority of organizations in Latvia operate professionally and responsibly. This case, in which, based on publicly available information, the NGO ‘Dzīvnieku brīvība’ may be involved, is exceptional and alarming. We strongly condemn it and expect such practices to cease immediately.”
Armands Krauze, Minister for Agriculture of Latvia: “These incidents are a very serious signal. Latvia’s poultry sector is export-oriented, and breaches of biosecurity can lead to the spread of infections and potentially paralyse exports not only for a single company but for the entire sector. This could result in losses amounting to hundreds of millions of euros and impact the industry as a whole. Such actions are unacceptable.”
SIA “Alūksne Poultry Farm” continues to operate at full capacity and is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its personnel and laying hens, compliance with regulatory requirements, and uninterrupted product supply. The company remains open to constructive dialogue with all parties acting within the framework of the law.