France Elevates Bird Flu Risk Level Amid Rising Cases in Europe

France has heightened its bird flu risk level to ‘moderate’ from ‘negligible’ as cases of avian influenza surge across Europe, according to a decree published on Tuesday. This increase in risk level will prompt stricter biosecurity measures, particularly around poultry farms, to prevent the virus from spreading.

The change in status comes in response to a rising number of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases in neighboring countries. The French Ministry of Agriculture noted that migratory birds passing through France pose a potential risk of carrying and transmitting the virus.

European countries such as Germany have already reported multiple outbreaks of bird flu, leading to significant losses of poultry in previous seasons. France, too, has been affected, with four bird flu outbreaks on farms since the summer.

France’s Preventative Measures

To mitigate the risk, France has initiated its second vaccination campaign of the year, specifically targeting farm ducks with more than 250 birds. This follows a successful vaccination program last year, which helped control the spread of the virus.

With the rise of avian flu cases in Europe, France is taking proactive steps to protect its poultry industry, ensuring safety measures are enforced and the virus is kept under control.

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