Avian flu: France returns to “high risk”

Less than a month after the last decree, a new one places France at “high level” of risk for avian flu.

It has now become so-called “chestnut” news, every autumn France raises its risk level for avian flu, it is now “high”.

With the arrival of avian influenza, the first farms are affected. In October in Saône et Loire, then in Morbihan. At the beginning of November, a duck farm in Saint-Étienne-d’Orthe in the Landes was affected. The 6,400 animals were slaughtered at the end of the week. According to certain media, the farm had nevertheless vaccinated its animals.

To avoid any risk of spreading the virus to other farms, the prefect of Landes has issued an order defining restricted areas. That is, 8 municipalities within a 3 km radius (protection zone). And 20 municipalities affected by the 10 km zone (surveillance zone).

In these zones, all places where poultry and captive birds are kept are subject to specific requirements. Movements of poultry and other captive birds, and any introduction of new animals of this type, are prohibited, unless an exemption is granted by State services. HPAI surveillance is also reinforced by carrying out self-checks made compulsory by prefectural decree.

Breeders contest these restrictive measures

Last week, breeders demonstrated in front of the Landes prefecture.