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Bird Flu Strikes French Farms After Easing Restrictions
30 Apr
Summary
- Bird flu outbreaks confirmed on two farms in France's southwest.
- Disease detected in chickens and vaccinated ducks, causing 270 bird deaths.
- France had recently eased bird flu restrictions before new outbreaks.
France is grappling with renewed bird flu outbreaks, with new cases confirmed on two farms in the country's southwest region. The World Organisation for Animal Health reported the findings on Thursday, April 30, 2026. This development follows closely on the heels of France's decision to relax previously imposed restrictions concerning the avian influenza.
The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus was identified among poultry, specifically affecting chickens and vaccinated ducks. Out of a total of 5,062 birds on the affected farms, 270 succumbed to the disease. In response, remaining birds were culled as a preventative measure, according to reports from French authorities.
This resurgence contrasts with recent optimism, as France had lowered its bird flu risk assessment just last week, citing an improved situation among both farm animals and wild birds. France has been significantly impacted by bird flu in recent years and commenced vaccinating ducks in 2023, a measure that reduces but does not eliminate the risk of transmission.
