Avian flu and its consequences on duck production worry breeders in the Gers, as highlighted The Dispatch. As France has moved into “high risk” of avian influenza, strict containment measures have been reintroduced, which directly affects breeding conditions.
Some producers deplore a drop in the number of farms present on the region's markets, as well as a smaller supply than before. And for good reason, since the spread of the virus has had numerous consequences. Indeed, confined ducks are less active and their growth is impaired, which poses quality problems in particular.
A real challenge for breeders
Containment measures, which require ducks to be kept indoors, have not completely stopped the spread of the virus. Local producers do not hide their concern about the ineffectiveness of these measures, indicating that bird flu continues to spread despite their efforts. Experience from previous years has shown that even with strict restrictions, the virus can quickly spread, making the future of the industry uncertain.
Faced with this complicated situation, producers are doing their best not to impact consumers while limiting the effects of avian flu on their livestock. But health uncertainties and confinement raise fears of a decline in production in the years to come.
France
