The new outbreaks were detected after increased surveillance was put into place across France, including active surveillance of clinical signs of avian influenza in sensitive species. Abnormal mortality levels detected by farmers have also led to systematic sampling.

As well as the confirmed outbreaks, which took place in guinea fowl and ducks in Landes and ducks in Dordogne, a press release from the French agriculture ministry said that other outbreaks were suspected.

Protection zones, surveillance, biosecurity and stamping out of the disease on the affected farms have been used to try and prevent the virus spreading.

Stéphane Le Foll, the country's agriculture minister, reminded consumers that avian influenza is not transmissible to humans through the consumption of meat, eggs, foie gras and more generally any food product.

Several countries have banned imports of French poultry products following the announcement of the outbreaks.

Further Reading

You can visit the avian flu page by clicking here.