The number of cases of avian flu, in livestock and in wildlife, is increasing sharply in France. The level of risk is now “high” throughout the territory and it is all the more so in the migration corridors currently used by wild birds, such as the Vendée coast and wetlands (Marais Poitevin and Marais Breton).
Following the discovery of several carcasses of wild birds on the coast and a pond in Landes Génusson, the Vendée was placed on alert (temporary control zone) from August 31 by prefectural decree. This did not prevent the epidemic from spreading: 12 confirmed outbreaks of avian flu were detected between October 4 and November 10 at professional breeders, located in the municipalities of Saint-Martin-des-Noyers, Pineaux, La Chaize-le-Vicomte, Saint-Fulgent (3), Saint-Hilaire-des-Loges, Moutiers-sur-Le-Lay, Foussais-Payré, Moreille, La Chapelle-aux-Lys and Vairé.
In total, these are more than 193,000 poultry that have been affected in confined farms. Specifically, these are 5 turkey farms (48,000), 6 duck farms (65,100) and 1 laying hen farm (80,000). State services recall that they are mobilized alongside these Vendean breeders, who will be compensated for direct and indirect losses linked to the slaughter of poultry, as well as costs linked to the disinfection of premises.
The Vendée prefecture also informs the individuals, keepers of backyard birds, of the importance of protecting their breeding. The measures to be taken are as follows:
- Containment of poultry and birds or installation of protective nets
- Daily animal monitoring
- Place the feeding and watering points under cover (at least cover them)
- No poultry (palmiped and gallinaceous) should come into direct contact with wild birds and poultry from professional breeding
- Limit access to people essential for its maintenance
- Never go to another poultry farm
- Protect and store food supplies and new bedding away from moisture and contamination
- Regularly clean the buildings and the equipment used
- Never use surface water (water from ponds, streams, collected rain) for cleaning installations
Finally, the Vendée prefecture recalls that failure to comply with these measures is an offense punishable by fine of 750 euros.