Updated on 03/11/2024
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.
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 to a radius of 3 and 10 km around contaminated establishments.
- THE municipalities concerned within the 3 km radius around contaminated establishments are: MOREAC, 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, Buleon, CREDIN, KERFOURN, LANTILLAC, LOCMINE, Moustoir-ac, Guenin, La Chapelle-Neuve, Noyal-Pontivy, Pleugriffet, Plumelin, Radenac, Saint-Allouestre, Saint-Thuriau
In this area, two axes of surveillance epidemiological are put in place:
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
It is carried out census of all poultry keeping placescommercial or non-commercial operations, and other captive birds in connection 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 prohibited in protection zones and surveillance zones.
- The placement and exit movements of poultry, day-old chicks and hatching eggs are prohibited in protection zones and surveillance zones.
Generally speaking, and in order to limit the spread of the virus, which can have significant economic consequences, professionals in the poultry sector, such as individuals who own poultry, are reminded to strictly respect biosecurity measures throughout the department and remain extremely vigilant.
Thus, the prefect reminds everyone of barrier gestures in order to limit the transmission of the virus between animals:
- Avoid all 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.
Know the right reflexes
In this context, the discovery of corpses of wild birds or sick birds must be reported immediately at the town hall of the place of discovery and the SAGIR network on 02 97 47 02 83
Corpses should not be handled and any person potentially in contact with avifauna (hunter, walker, forester, farmer or other) must take all precautions so as not to introduce the virus in the domestic compartment.
For operators or individualsif 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.
France has been at “moderate” risk for HPAI since October 16, 2024.
RAPPEL : The consumption of meat, foie gras and eggs – and more generally of any poultry-based food product – does not present no risk for humans.