Following a suspicion of an outbreak of avian influenza in a duck farm in Hastingues, in the south of the department, analyzes are underway. While awaiting the results, the Landes prefect is setting up a temporary control zone in the surrounding municipalities.
Expected results Saturday
It is a strong suspicion of avian flu which affects this duck farm in the town of Hastingues. Unexplained mortality of palmipeds, and clinical signs, were noted this Friday, December 17 by a veterinarian on the farm. The first analyzes were carried out by the laboratory of the Pyrenees and the Landes. Following the results of these analyzes, samples were sent to the national reference laboratory, located in Rennes. The analyzes will have to determine whether it is indeed avian influenza, and if so, which strain it is. The results are expected on Saturday.
15 municipalities under surveillance
Pending these results, the Landes prefecture is setting up a temporary control zone covering 15 municipalities: Bélus, Biarrotte, Cagnotte, Cauneille, Hastingues, Oeyregave, Orthevielle, Peyrehorade, Port-de-Lanne, Saint-Cricq-du-Gave, Saint-Etienne-d’Orthe, Saint-Laurent -de-Gosse, Sainte-Marie-de-Gosse, Saint-Martin-de-Hinx, Sorde-l’Abbaye. No poultry or duck may enter or leave the area. Movements of people or vehicles to or from holdings should be kept to a minimum.
Thursday evening, a case of bird flu was confirmed in a farm in Manciet, in the Gers. This is the first outbreak detected in a farm in the southwest since the bird crisis last winter.