France raises its level of risk, measures taken in Côte-d’Or

The level of risk linked to the circulation of the virus responsible for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5) rose to its highest level (“high”) on Saturday November 9 in mainland France. A decision taken “considering the strong and persistent dynamics of infection in migration corridors and the spread of the virus by these migratory birds, passing through mainland French territory”, indicates the Official Journal.

“A strong infection dynamic”

In Europe, the avian influenza virus has been detected in 24 countries and the number of outbreaks is increasing, especially in Hungary, according to the latest weekly bulletin from the French animal health epidemiological surveillance platform. The bulletin identifies “a strong infection dynamic present since the end of September and increasing among wild birds”. In France, in total, “six poultry outbreaks, two captive bird outbreaks and ten wild cases” have been identified since the start of the season.

Several prevention and biosecurity measures have been reinforced in the Côte-d’Or department, following this transition to “high” risk, as indicated by the prefecture in a press release.

Details of the reinforced measures in Côte-d’Or

– Closure or protection by nets of birds kept in establishments with fewer than 50 poultry or captive birds (barnyards, zoos, etc.).

– Sheltering of poultry, and protection of feeding and watering of birds in establishments keeping more than 50 poultry.

– Mandatory equipment for vehicles intended for the transport of waterfowl older than three days with tarpaulins or equivalent preventing any significant loss of feathers and down by a full or empty truck.

– Prohibition of gatherings of poultry and captive birds.

– Ban on racing pigeon competitions until March 31, 2025.

– Restrictions on the transport of calling birds and ban on the release of feathered game of the Anatidae family.

“These reinforced measures complement the compulsory vaccination campaign launched in France since October 1, 2023 for commercial farms keeping more than 250 ducks. Surveillance, biosecurity and vaccination are complementary pillars of HPAI prevention,” adds the Côte-d’Or prefecture.