France raises bird flu risk level amid rising cases in neighbouring countries

FRANCE – France has increased its avian flu risk level from ‘negligible’ to ‘moderate’, as stated in a decree published in the official journal. 

This shift will lead to tighter security measures around poultry farms across the country.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the decision to raise the risk level comes after a growing number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases were detected in several neighbouring European nations. 

The ministry warned that migratory birds passing through France could potentially spread the virus.

Several European countries, including Germany, have reported bird flu outbreaks in recent months. 

Previous outbreaks of the virus have killed millions of poultry across the continent.

Since this summer, France has recorded four bird flu outbreaks on poultry farms. 

In response, the country launched a second vaccination campaign for farm ducks, targeting flocks of more than 250 birds. 

This follows a successful vaccination effort initiated last year.

France’s poultry industry is substantial, with chicken being the most consumed type of poultry meat. 

In 2023, the country’s chicken production was estimated at 1.08 million tons. 

However, the number of chickens slaughtered in December 2023 dropped by 4.4% compared to the previous year, totaling 53.1 million. 

Turkey slaughter numbers also declined, down by 2.1% to 3.4 million.

Poultry meat production in France is projected to reach 1.8 million metric tons by 2026, though the industry has seen a 0.3% annual decrease in output since 2017. 

Consumption of poultry meat, forecasted to stay at 1.53 million metric tons in 2026, has also been declining at a similar rate over the past few years.

France imports a significant amount of chicken meat, and there is increasing demand for imported products to comply with the same standards and regulations as those applied to domestic poultry production.

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