Avian flu. Following the discovery of a new outbreak in Morbihan, the prefect extends the protection and surveillance zone

A new outbreak of avian flu has just been confirmed on a poultry farm in Evellys in Morbihan. Depopulation is underway and an epidemiological investigation is being carried out to find the probable origin of the contamination. The prefect of Morbihan has decided to extend the regulated protection and surveillance zone around contaminated establishments.

A new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has just been confirmed, on November 2, 2024, in a poultry farm in Evellys in Morbihan. Depopulation is underway.
An epidemiological investigation is being carried out to find the probable origin of the contamination.

This Sunday, in a press release, the Prefecture of Morbihan announced that“in order to prevent the introduction of the virus into farms, the prefect of Morbihan has decided to extend the regulated protection and surveillance zone within a radius of 3 and 10 km around the contaminated establishments”.

Also read: Once again, avian flu affects this town in Morbihan

• The municipalities concerned within the 3 km radius around the contaminated establishments are: Moréac, Evellys, Plumeliau-Bieuzy, Reguiny.
• The municipalities, in whole or in part, affected by the 10 km zone, in addition to the 4 municipalities mentioned previously, are: Bignan, Buléon, Crédin, Kerfourn, Lantillac, Locminé, Moustoir-Ac, Guénin, La Chappelle-Neuve, Noyal- Pontivy, Pleugriffet, Plumelin, Radenac, Saint-Allouestre and Saint-Thuriau.

In this press release again, the Prefecture of Morbihan specifies that in this area, “two areas of epidemiological surveillance are set up” :

The services of the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), supported by the departmental federation of hunters, are responsible for controlling the collection of wild birds found dead for analysis, using the network for monitoring the causes of mortality of wildlife (SAGIR network). In the event that the corpses of wild birds are not handed over to the authorities, they must be taken care of by the town hall of the commune which will make them available for rendering.

• On poultry farms and bird keepers

-A census is taken of all places where poultry, commercial or non-commercial farms are kept, and other captive birds in conjunction with town halls. Surveillance and monitoring of agricultural operations are carried out by health veterinarians who will carry out a systematic visit.
-Gatherings of poultry or other captive birds such as fairs, markets and exhibitions are also prohibited in protection zones and surveillance zones.
-The placement and exit movements of poultry, day-old chicks and hatching eggs are equally prohibited in protection zones and surveillance zones.

Also read: “One flight of feathers is enough to spread the disease.” The return of avian flu worries duck breeders

Finally, in his press release, the prefect of Morbihan recalls the security measures that must be taken: “In general, and in order to limit the spread of the virus, which can have significant
economic consequences, professionals in the poultry sector, such as individuals keeping poultry, to strictly respect biosecurity measures, throughout of the department and to remain extremely vigilant.

Likewise, barrier gestures are required for everyone in order to limit the transmission of the virus between animals:
• Avoid contact with wild birds, including feathers and droppings,
• Do not pick up or touch wild, sick or dead birds,
• Do not come into contact with domestic birds.

In this context, the Prefecture reminds that 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 on 02 97 47 02 83.
-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.
-For operators or individuals, if abnormal mortality is noted, the holder is invited to immediately contact their veterinarian or the departmental population protection directorate at the following address: [email protected]
-For all other questions, individuals with a farmyard or ornamental birds can contact their town hall.

As a reminder, France has been at “moderate” risk for HPAI since October 16, 2024. The consumption of meat, foie gras and eggs, and more generally of any poultry-based food product, does not present any risks. risk to human beings.