Avian flu: a confirmed case in the North-East of the Hautes-Pyrénées

A case of avian flu was detected in a migratory bird near Lake Puydarrieux, in the northeast of the Hautes-Pyrénées. Faced with the high risk of contamination, the prefecture recalls the importance of measures aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.

A case of avian flu has been confirmed in a common crane found dead “this month around Lake Puydarrieux”, in the North-East of the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Hautes-Pyrénées prefecture announced this Thursday, November 21. The animal is a large migratory bird belonging to the Gruidae family.

Fifteen outbreaks identified throughout the country

This case occurs as the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been raised to “high level” in France since November 8, due to strong circulation of the virus in migratory avifauna. To date, 15 outbreaks have been identified in the country, including two on vaccinated duck farms in the Landes.

“Vaccination alone cannot be enough to prevent, in all cases, the introduction of the virus” of avian flu, recalls the Hautes-Pyrénées prefecture. “Vaccination reduces excretion and thus limits possible spread between farms, but it does not exempt from the rigorous application of biosecurity measures associated with the high level of risk. »

Avian flu in the Hautes-Pyrénées: vaccination is not enough

It is therefore imperative to implement the reinforced measures provided for by the ministerial decree of September 25, 2023. These include in particular the sheltering of poultry, the protection of their feeding and watering, as well as the implementation screening in areas at risk of diffusion before any movement towards fattening.

The virus currently circulating in France and several European countries exclusively affects birds. It is not transmissible to humans through the consumption of poultry meat, eggs, foie gras and more generally any food product, specifies the prefecture.

Practical information : all information on the health situation and the measures to be respected are available on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture.