France has raised its bird flu risk level from “moderate” to “high,” implementing stricter security measures to protect poultry farms, according to a decree issued on Friday. This elevated alert level comes as highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, continues to spread at a rapid pace among poultry across the European Union, causing fears of a recurrence of past outbreaks that led to the deaths of tens of millions of birds and raised concerns about potential human-to-human transmission.
The French agriculture ministry said the heightened risk status was driven by confirmed bird flu cases in migratory wild birds in neighboring countries. By increasing the risk level, authorities aim to boost surveillance and enforce stronger prevention measures across poultry facilities.
The status change takes effect on Saturday, marking an earlier seasonal escalation than last year, when a similar adjustment occurred in December.
France has recorded eight bird flu outbreaks at poultry farms since the summer. Last month, the country began a second vaccination campaign for farm ducks, following a successful inoculation program last year that helped curb outbreaks.
Similarly, the United Kingdom has reported bird flu cases in Yorkshire shortly after raising its own risk level to “high.” The rapid spread of the virus across Europe has prompted nations to act swiftly to prevent major losses within the poultry industry and to minimise potential health risks.
Melissa Enoch
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