It has been awaited for several years: the vaccine against avian flu. This virus has been devastating this year. Many farms have been decimated. According to a last count, 16 million poultry were slaughtered this year, including 11 million in the Great West. In France, 1,374 outbreaks have been detected.
This famous vaccine has entered the experimental phase. Eight sites in France have been selected. Among these sites, two of them injected the first doses from this Tuesday, May 10. One is located in the Gers, the other is located in the Landes.
First bites followed by a booster
According to our information, this is the experimental station of the Artiguères farm in Benquet near Mont-de-Marsan. This farm looks like a farm in every way, with a room for force-feeding, with tools necessary for scientific study. For example, enclosures are separated in such a way as to create lots.
The palmipeds arrived on Tuesday. The ducklings were vaccinated in the afternoon. As for men, this shot is followed by a booster 3-4 weeks later.
Six months of experimentation
The Ceva Santé Animale laboratory, based in Libourne in Gironde, supplies the doses against avian flu. Scientists from the National Veterinary School of Toulouse are responsible for monitoring, a breeder is also present.
By lot and over the weeks, the ducks will then be transferred to a secure laboratory of the National Health Security Agency (Anses). There will be no more ducks on the Benquet site in three months. In the secure center of ANSES, the ducks will be confronted with the virus. The experiment should last a total of 6 months.
The results will then be analyzed for several weeks, several months. No marketing of the vaccine is planned before at least the 2023-2024 season.