A new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has just been confirmed, Saturday November 2, 2024, in a poultry farm in Évellys, in Morbihan. The origin of the contamination has not yet been established; an investigation is underway.
In recent weeks, Brittany has seen numerous clusters appear, notably in the north-east of Hanvec (Finistère), in Taulé (Finistère), or even in Moréac (Morbihan), only a few days ago. In several cases, contamination by wildlife could be confirmed. Since October 16, France has shifted to “moderate” risk for HPAI, a situation which justifies the establishment of a strict health protocol around sources of contamination by the authorities, who fear a greater spread of the virus. .
19 municipalities impacted
A protection zone (3 km around the outbreak) and surveillance zone (10 km around the outbreak) was established around the farms concerned by the prefect of Morbihan. In this area, a strict census of all poultry keeping places will be carried out, in conjunction with town halls. And farms will receive a systematic visit from a veterinarian to analyze their livestock. “Gatherings of poultry or other captive birds, such as fairs, markets and exhibitions, are prohibited, as are the placement and movement from farms of poultry, day-old chicks and eggs to hatching”, specify the authorities.
The municipalities concerned within the 3 km radius around the contaminated establishments are Moréac, Évellys, Pluméliau-Bieuzy and Réguiny. The municipalities in whole or in part concerned by the 10 km zone are: Bignan, Buléon, Crédin, Kerfourn, Lantillac, Locminé, Moustoir-Ac, Guénin, La Chapelle-Neuve, Noyal-Pontivy, Pleugriffet, Plumelin, Radenac, Saint- Allouestre and Saint-Thuriau.
Barrier gestures
Consumption of contaminated poultry products does not present any risks to humans. However, a bird epidemic can have serious consequences for breeders, forced to cull their livestock. Thus, the prefect reminds everyone of barrier gestures in order to limit the transmission of the virus between animals: “Cadavers must not be handled and any person potentially in contact with avifauna (hunter, walker, forester, farmer or other) must take all precautions not to introduce the virus into the domestic compartment.”
In this context, the discovery of corpses of wild birds or sick birds must be reported immediately to the town hall of the place of discovery and to the Sagir network, responsible for the matter (tel. 02 97 47 02 83). For operators or individuals, if abnormal mortality is noted, the holder is invited to immediately contact their veterinarian or the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection, at the following address: [email protected]
Health
