France suffered from a number of outbreaks of avian flu in November, December and January, but outbreaks have since slowed and have mainly consisted of low pathogenic findings.

The newly reported outbreak has also occurred in a department (region) that has not been affected in the other outbreaks - Tarn. However, this department is still towards the south of France, where the majority of outbreaks have occurred.

France's report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said that the outbreak was identified after the death of 350 guinea fowls within five days. The National Reference Laboratory identified a highly pathogenic H5N9 strain on 18 April 2016.

The farm site also had 2,800 free-range chickens which did not present clinical signs.

All the animals on the farm were scheduled for slaughter on 20 April. In total nearly 9000 birds will be destroyed on the premises.

The report notes that prior to the guinea fowl stock, the farm held ducks for fois gras production, which did not show abnormal mortality and were sent to slaughter as usual.