in the Landes, “we are counting on the vaccine to be more peaceful”

Little yellow ducks aged ten days parade under the hands of vaccinators, in this large breeding building in Eyres Moncube, in the Landes. Two people catch them as they go, while two others inject a dose of the avian flu vaccine under the skin of the webfoots, using a sort of gun. It goes very quickly, confirms Xavier Banse, veterinarian: “The 4,000 ducks on this farm should be vaccinated in two to two and a half hours.”

They are among the first ducks vaccinated against avian flu. The operation should last several weeks. A first dose at ten days of life, then a second 18 days later, for 64 million ducks. The logistical challenge is immense.

>> Avian flu: vaccination starts with still many questions for some breeders

Without slowing down the pace of the ducks passing under her syringe, Estelle Charles, vaccinator, is enthusiastic: “The more ducks there are, the happier we are. This means that activity is returning. Thanks to vaccination, we will ensure that these ducks live their expected life cycle, and that there is no no problem this year”. Between the lines, she points out the massive slaughters: a million ducks were slaughtered this year, sick animals or euthanized preventively. “We’ve been waiting for this vaccine for eight years. It’s the only way to continue producing. We’re counting on it to give us peace of mind”recognizes Mathieu Tauzin, a young breeder, who has already undergone four slaughters.

“Massive slaughters are always complex moments on farms, says veterinarian Xavier Banse. Breeders are big guys. But in those moments, there’s always someone who leaves saying, ‘Hey, I have to go see something at home,’ because it’s difficult.”

Each vaccination costs €1.50 and will not necessarily be passed on to the consumer, promises the sector

This vaccine, administered in two doses, protects against disease, not necessarily contamination. In the future, only ducks affected by avian flu will be culled and no longer the entire flock. The industry hopes to gain peace of mind. But this comes at a cost. “Each vaccination costs around €1.50explains Patrick Faget, director of animal production at the Maïsadour cooperative which is planning the vaccination. Luckily, the State is helping us up to 85% for this year. 15% will remain the responsibility of the sector, or around 40 cents. They will not necessarily be passed on to the consumer. Because the prices of charges for animal nutrition and inputs are falling a little. So the cost of vaccination could be eliminated.”

“For the consumer, duck breast, foie gras or even confit will not necessarily be more expensive than last year. It may even be cheaper.”

Patrick Faget, from the Maïsadour cooperative

at franceinfo

By the time they grow up, these ducks vaccinated at the beginning of October will not arrive on the French people’s plates for Christmas, but a little later, in January.