Avian influenza continues to grow in France. 83 outbreaks were detected in the country. The Gers concentrates the majority of cases.
Evolution seems inexorable. On January 2, the Ministry of Agriculture reported 83 outbreaks of bird flu in French farms. A number that has been steadily increasing since the start of the epizootic at the end of November 2016. The wild cases have reached stability. In the rest of Europe, too, the virulent H5N8 strain continues to spread.
43 homes. The department of Gers alone forms the epicenter of the epizootic. In fact, it concentrates the majority of new cases, 43 out of 83. The second hardest hit district is that of the Landes with 14 outbreaks. The Southwest region is disproportionately affected compared to the rest of the territory. However, the entire territory is considered to be at “high” risk. A measure justified by the detection of two outbreaks in Deux-Sèvres, confirmed this January 2 in the evening by the prefecture of the department. The Ministry of Agriculture does not, for the moment, mention it.
Source : The Minister of Agriculture
Assembly ban
This level of risk is accompanied by certain preventive measures. A large population is called upon to respect the regulations put in place by the government. Adapted to the current epizootic, it is supposed to limit the spread of the H5N8 strain. This covers keepers of poultry or game birds, as well as veterinarians, transporters and other professionals “likely to come into contact” with birds.
These measures begin with the isolation of captive birds: they must be put in netting or confined inside buildings reserved for them. Gatherings are also prohibited. Hunting enthusiasts will also be disappointed: the release of game birds is no longer authorized as long as the epizootic continues.
It now remains to effectively limit the circulation of the virus. Because for now, the surveillance and security perimeters seem to have little impact on its progress. The rest of Europe is also in a difficult situation. 351 homes were identified in 1er January, compared to 345 the previous week.
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