In total, there have been 76 outbreaks of the highly pathogenic form of the disease, as well as some low pathogenic outbreaks. Various different disease strains were detected on infected farms.

Duck and goose farms in France's fois gras-producing south western region were hardest hit, but the new compensation measures aim to pay out to all parts of the poultry sector fairly.

A budget of €110 million will be used to compensate waterfowl producers, with another €20 million earmarked for hatcheries both inside the restricted areas and in the surrounding areas. Approximately €2 million has already been paid out. The amounts set aside for non-waterfowl poultry producers were not revealed in the announcement.

Mr Le Foll said 50 per cent of the estimated losses of producers will be paid by this fund by the end of May, whilst the remaining losses will be paid when the true impact of the outbreaks is known.

Compensation will also be paid out to farm businesses affected by depopulation costs, which could amount to €120 million, and may be further supplemented by local authority funds.

Further Reading

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