Ducks are seen inside a poultry farm in Castelnau-Tursan, France, January 24, 2023. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe Acquire Licensing Rights
PARIS, Nov 29 (Reuters) – The first outbreak of fowl flu this season on a farm in France has put the business on watch to see if the nation’s technique of vaccinating birds will show efficient, serving to keep away from a repeat of earlier crises that killed thousands and thousands of poultry.
The farm ministry stated on Tuesday a primary case of the extremely pathogenic fowl flu was discovered amongst turkeys in Brittany, northwestern France, as a seasonal wave of infections spreads throughout Europe, the United States and Japan.
Bird flu is often carried by migrating wild birds earlier than being transmitted between farms. It ravaged flocks across the globe prior to now years, disrupting provide, fueling meals costs and elevating issues over the danger of human transmission.
To shield itself, France launched a vaccination marketing campaign in early October, initially restricted to geese, which might simply transmit the virus with out displaying signs.
“The new outbreaks are a stress as a result of with these viruses one by no means is aware of if the ‘dike’ might be sturdy sufficient,” Marie-Pierre Pe, director of France’s duck and foie gras business group CIFOG, informed Reuters, referring to prevention measures.
France goals to vaccinate over 60 million geese however solely 70% have obtained a primary shot and 40% been totally vaccinated up to now, Pe stated.
France is the primary massive exporter to vaccinate poultry in opposition to fowl flu, braving commerce obstacles from nations that concern the virus might unfold with out being observed.
The vaccine just isn’t supposed to totally shield birds from catching the illness however would restrict its unfold and thus keep away from large preventive culls. It comes along with normal biosecurity and management measures.
“Vaccination is an extra device nevertheless it doesn’t shield us utterly,” Philippe Gelin, chief government of France’s largest poultry group LDC (LOUP.PA), informed Reuters. “We must be vigilant and make sure that it stays restricted.”
Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide, enhancing by Gus Trompiz and Bernadette Baum
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
