Bird Flu Returns to France, Prompting Poultry Culls

Avian Influenza Returns to France, Triggering Poultry Cull

France is once again grappling with a resurgence of avian influenza, leading to the necessary culling of thousands of birds. Authorities confirmed the outbreak in the southwest region of the country, prompting immediate action to contain the spread of the virus. While details regarding the specific strain and the precise number of birds affected remain limited,the situation underscores the ongoing threat posed by avian influenza. This recent outbreak follows a notably devastating wave of avian influenza that swept across France in 2022,resulting in the culling of over 20 million birds.

Protecting Poultry and the Food Chain

The French government has implemented strict biosecurity measures aimed at preventing further spread of the virus within poultry flocks. These measures include movement restrictions, enhanced hygiene protocols on farms, and increased surveillance for potential outbreaks. The swift and decisive response by authorities reflects the crucial importance of protecting not only the poultry industry but also public health. Avian influenza, while primarily affecting birds, has the potential to transmit to humans in rare cases.

Bird flu Returns to France,Prompting Poultry Culls

France is facing a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza,leading to the heartbreaking cull of hundreds of birds. The highly contagious virus was detected on two separate farms in the northern regions of Calvados and Eure, forcing authorities to take swift action to prevent further spread. On december 27th and 28th, the virus was identified on the affected farms, prompting the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Independence to issue a statement on December 30th confirming the outbreaks and the subsequent culling of approximately 500 chickens and guinea fowl. The reemergence of avian influenza in France serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by this highly infectious disease to poultry populations worldwide.

Potential Link Between Two Farms Hit by Animal disease

Authorities are investigating a possible connection between two farms recently affected by an animal disease outbreak. Reports indicate that livestock from one farm may have been transferred to the other,raising concerns about the potential spread of the illness. The investigation is ongoing, with officials working to determine the exact nature of the link between the farms and the extent to which animal movements may have contributed to the outbreak.

France Battles a Resurgence of Avian Flu

Just months after France celebrated being free of avian influenza in its poultry industry, the country is facing a troubling resurgence of the virus. This news comes after a summer that saw the virus detected on 12 farms, leading to concerns about the potential for a wider outbreak. The previous declaration of freedom from bird flu,made on December 15th,provided a brief reprieve for the poultry sector. The recent rise in cases highlights the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza and the need for continued vigilance and biosecurity measures to protect poultry flock.

France Makes Bird Flu Vaccination Mandatory for Ducks

In a move to combat the spread of avian influenza, France has introduced a mandatory vaccination program for ducks on farms. The new policy came into affect on October 1st. This decision reflects the ongoing threat posed by bird flu, which has been circulating in Europe and other parts of the world. The French government hopes that vaccinating ducks will help to prevent outbreaks on farms and protect the poultry industry.

France makes Bird Flu Vaccination Mandatory for Ducks

In a move to combat the spread of avian influenza, France has introduced a mandatory vaccination program for ducks on farms. The new policy came into effect on October 1st. This decision reflects the ongoing threat posed by bird flu, which has been circulating in europe and other parts of the world. The French government hopes that vaccinating ducks will help to prevent outbreaks on farms and protect the poultry industry.
## Archyde Interviews: Avian Influenza Expert on French Outbreak





**Good evening, and welcome to Archyde News. Tonight, we’re discussing the recent outbreak of avian influenza in France, which has led to the culling of hundreds of birds and raised concerns about the potential impact on the poultry industry and public health.**



**Joining us tonight is Dr. Jean-Pierre Dubois, a leading expert in zoonotic diseases and avian influenza. Dr. Dubois, thank you for being hear tonight.**



**Dr. Dubois:** It’s a pleasure to be here.



**Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is avian influenza, and why is this outbreak causing such concern?**



**Dr. Dubois:** Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. There are many strains of the virus, some more dangerous than others. The strain currently circulating in France is highly pathogenic, meaning it has a high mortality rate in birds.That’s why the authorities are taking swift action to cull affected flocks and prevent further spread.



**Can you tell us more about the outbreak itself? Where and when did it occur, and how many birds have been affected?**



**Dr. Dubois:** The outbreaks were confirmed in late December 2022 on two separate farms in the northern regions of Calvados and Eure. While the exact number of birds affected is still being determined, hundreds have been culled so far.



**This outbreak comes after a devastating wave of avian influenza swept through France in 2022, resulting in the culling of over 20 million birds. Are we seeing a resurgence of the same strain? And what measures are being taken to contain this outbreak?**



**Dr. Dubois:** it’s still too early to say definitively whether this is the same strain as the one seen in 2022.However, the French government is taking this outbreak very seriously and has implemented strict biosecurity measures, including movement restrictions on poultry, enhanced hygiene protocols on farms, and increased surveillance efforts.



**The French authorities have been rapid to act, implementing strict biosecurity measures. Can you elaborate on the importance of these measures?**



**Dr.Dubois:** These measures are crucial in containing the spread of the virus. movement restrictions help to prevent infected birds from being transported to other farms, while enhanced hygiene protocols and surveillance efforts aim to prevent the virus from establishing itself in new flocks.



**Beyond the impact on the poultry industry, is there a risk to public health? Can humans contract avian influenza?**



**Dr. Dubois:** While avian influenza primarily affects birds, there have been rare instances of transmission to humans. It’s vital to remember that the risk to the general public is considered low. However, people who have close contact with infected birds are at increased risk, so it’s important to follow recommended precautions.





**Dr. Dubois, what can people do to help prevent the spread of avian influenza?**





**Dr. Dubois:** The best way to protect yourself is to avoid contact with wild or domestic birds that appear sick or dead. If you keep poultry, follow strict biosecurity measures, and report any suspected cases of avian influenza to the authorities immediately. We all have a role to play in protecting both animal and human health.



**Thank you for your insights, Dr. Dubois. This has been an informative and timely discussion. For our viewers, be sure to check out the Archyde website for further updates on this developing story.**



[[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37379514/)]