avian influenza, move to “high” risk level

The prefecture announces a strengthening of prevention measures in Hérault with a move to “high” risk level throughout the metropolitan territory.

The appearance of outbreaks of HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) in livestock, combined with the detection of the virus in wildlife, led the Minister of Agriculture to raise the level of epizootic risk to its maximum against highly pathogenic avian influenza. Preventive measures are being strengthened to protect poultry farms. In order to improve the protection of livestock farms, following biosecurity measures must be implemented throughout the territory:

• confinement or protection by nets of birds kept in establishments with fewer than 50 poultry or captive birds (farmyards, zoos);
• sheltering and protection of feeding and watering of birds in establishments keeping more than 50 poultry;
• compulsory equipment for vehicles intended for the transport of waterfowl older than three days using tarpaulins or equivalent preventing any significant loss of feathers and down by a full or empty truck;
• ban on gatherings of poultry and captive birds;
• ban on racing pigeon competitions until 03/31;
• restrictions on the transport of calling birds and a ban on the release of game birds of the Anatidae family.

Compulsory vaccination

These prevention measures complement the 2nd compulsory vaccination campaign launched in France since 1^is October for commercial farms keeping more than 250 ducks. “ The risk of contamination for livestock farms or farmyards in the department is real and general health prevention measures are more necessary than ever.“, warns the Hérault prefecture. All stakeholders, professionals and individuals (breeders, veterinarians, hunters, etc.), are invited to respect them. In general, owners of poultry, ducks and game must register with the departmental population protection directorate (DDPP) and declare the movements of the animals.

No consequences for human health

As a reminder, the strains of avian influenza currently circulating in France and Europe have no impact on human health, whether through contact with birds or through consumption of poultry meat, foie gras or eggs. , and more generally any poultry-based food product.