France Reports Two More Bird Flu Outbreaks
FRANCE - Two more outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been announced in France, bring the total number of highly pathogenic outbreaks to 69.
15 January 2016
2 minute read
By: One of the new outbreaks occurred in Haute-Garonne, a department (region) that had not been previously affected. The farm in Lafitte-Vigordane held 10,000 chickens and 7,000 ducks.
The other new outbreak occurred on a farm of 1280 ducks in Orin, Pyrénées Atlantiques. A highly pathogenic H5N2 strain was identified there.
This week, French officials worked on a new plan to rid France of the disease and return to avian influenza-free status.
The Directorate General of Food for the Ministry of Agriculture met with members of the National Advisory Board of Animal and Plant Health Policy (CNOPSAV) to discuss and validate an eradication strategy virus of three parts, including sustainable implementation of biosecurity measures in all poultry farms nationwide, enhanced surveillance, and sanitation of the waterfowl industry in the south west.
The new measures will include restrictions on raising new ducks and geese to allow effective cleaning and disinfection.
Officials hope these measures will ensure healthy ducks and geese are on farms by the end of the first half of the year, which will help France to meet strong demand for products during the festive season.
