The space dedicated to poultry during the monthly fair dedicated to the sale of animals was far from experiencing its usual activity, Friday November 29, 2024 in Coulonges-les-Hérolles. Measures related to the prevention of bird flu prohibited the sale of turkeys, geese and ducks. Only the sale of chickens was authorized.
“Customers like to see the animals, but we are not allowed to take them out of their cages and out of the truckexclaims Nathalie, breeder. It’s catastrophic. We have no state aid. The bills are coming, but the money is no longer coming in. »
“If this continues, in ten years, there will no longer be a poultry fair in Hérolles”
Avian flu is nothing new for the industry. “We have the right to these restrictions every year now” explains the livestock manager Mortaud. “You see in what conditions we work. How do you expect a young person to want to start this activity with all the repeated standards and restrictions? If things continue like this, in ten years there will be no more poultry fairs because there will be no more breeders. »
Disillusioned and imbued with dull anger, the breeders nevertheless comply with the restrictions and appreciate the support of some of their customers. “They’re going to drive people crazy with all their rules,” testifies Odette, a regular at the market. “They will eventually break everything. We are losing, day after day, more freedom, the little pleasures of life, convivial moments, our traditional markets. Let us live a little! »
Despite the traditional shouting by merchants to attract walkers to their stalls, the good smells of andouillettes and other dishes, morale and buyers were less high during this last market before Christmas.
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