The health situation with regard to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in France has deteriorated since August 2022, according to the French government. In recent weeks, thought, outbreaks have been on the decline. However, current climactic conditions (lower temperatures and sunshine, increased humidity, etc.) promote the survival of the virus in the environment. Significant mortality is observed in wildlife.

At the beginning of 2023, the number of impacted farms reached 300, more than three-quarters of which are concentrated in the Pays de la Loire region in a diffusion risk zone (ZRD) with a high density of poultry (especially in Vendée and Maine-et-Loire). This situation led to specific preventive measures detailed in the press release of December 2. 

In wildlife, the number of cases has also increased sharply in metropolitan France and Europe. Departments such as the Moselle or Bas-Rhin as well as the Ile de France region reported in early 2023 dozens and sometimes hundreds of birds found dead in their territories. Analyses carried out by the NRL have confirmed that the origin of this mass mortality is related to HPAI.

Faced with an increased risk of contamination due to lower temperatures and the high migratory activity of wild birds, the level of risk was raised from "moderate" to "high" on November 11 throughout the metropolitan territory. Throughout the metropolitan territory, all poultry must be sheltered and poultry gatherings are prohibited.

As of February, 7,293 breeding outbreaks have been confirmed since August 1.