Seven outbreaks of avian influenza have been identified in farms in the Tarn. As a precaution, 47,000 poultry have been slaughtered in recent days in the department.
Surveillance is still important in the South West. The epidemic risks of avian influenza (H5N8) have led the authorities to carry out mass culling, in order to respect a precautionary principle. In total, 47,000 poultry were euthanized, announced the Prefecture of Tarn in a press release.
The four outbreaks concerned are located in Monestiés, Combefa and Mouzieys-Panens. They are in addition to the three that had previously been identified in the municipalities of Almayrac and Lacapelle-Ségalar, which are all located in the protection zone set up by the State.
Precautionary measures maintained until Monday
To prevent the spread of the virus, the movement of poultry is still prohibited in the protection zone, as is the hunting of game birds. The gatherings of birds are also prohibited throughout the Tarn department.
The alert situation is maintained at least until Monday. “If, on this date, no new case is detected in the Tarn, the reduction of the restrictive measures can be applied”, one can read in the press release.
H5N8 avian influenza is very contagious and fatal to animals, but does not affect humans. And, although this epizootic has nothing to do with that of last year (nearly 80 outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in 8 departments had been reported), the discovery of these new outbreaks postpones the resumption of exports by 3 months. outside the European Union.
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