#17,115
As bad as the avian flu situation is here in the United States (see USDA/APHIS Snapshot: HPAI H5N1 In The United States), it is arguably much worse across the pond, with England recording their 100th outbreak in poultry since October 1st.
During their record setting 2021-2022 avian flu season, England reported 134 outbreaks on farms, a record they may very well see broken before Christmas. On Monday, DEFRA ordered all poultry to be housed across England.
Across the channel - while not quite as dire - France has reported 49 outbreaks since the start of August, and today has raised the threat level to `high' and has ordered all poultry to be housed. This (translated) press release from France's Ministry of Agriculture:
November 10, 2022 Press release
Avian influenza: faced with a worsening epidemiological situation, France is moving to a "high" risk level
The number of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza has continued to increase in recent weeks in France and in Europe. Faced with this situation, Marc FESNEAU, Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, took the decision to raise the level of epizootic risk vis-à-vis avian influenza from "moderate" to "high" on the metropolitan territory. Prevention measures are reinforced to protect farms.
As of November 8, 49 outbreaks in livestock have been confirmed in France. Cases in farmyards and in wildlife are also numerous and increasing.
In a context marked by unprecedented persistence of the virus in the environment and strong migratory activity of wild birds, it is essential to strengthen preventive measures to avoid contamination of poultry farms .
The change to the " high " risk level strengthens the arsenal of protection for poultry farms and generalizes the prevention measures :
In breeding :
- Sheltering of all poultry throughout the metropolitan territory
- Prohibition of gatherings of poultry throughout the metropolitan territory
- Obligation to cover trucks transporting waterfowl older than 3 days.
For hunting activities (hunting) :
- Authorization to transport and use decoys for category 1 holders only (holders with less than 15 decoys) ;
- Movements of game birds subject to conditions (clinical examination, Anatidae virological screening) ;
- Return in kind of game birds Anatidae prohibited.
For zoological parks : compulsory vaccination in zoos of birds that cannot be sheltered.
For racing pigeons : ban on racing pigeon competitions departing from or arriving in France until March 31.
For all players in the sector, it is a question of reinforcing vigilance and ensuring the strictest application of biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from entering farms and avoid its spread between farms. The same recommendations apply to private owners of backyard and ornamental birds.
https://agriculture.gouv.fr/influenza-aviaire-les-mesures-de-biosecurite-pour-les-operateurs-professionnels-et-les-particuliers
The departmental services will be required to carry out checks on compliance with the applicable measures due to the increased level of risk. A reduction in compensation in the event of non-compliance by breeders with the rules in force will also be implemented.
This increase in the level of risk was decided after consultation with ANSES and the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), which observed active flows of migratory birds and an unusually high number of outbreaks for the period. It was the subject of prior information to the stakeholders.
In accordance with the July 29 action plan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and its services are fully committed alongside professional players in the fight against avian influenza.
REMINDER : the consumption of meat, foie gras and eggs – and more generally any poultry - based food product – presents no risk to humans .
Although the primary threat from HPAI H5N1 is to poultry, captive, and wild birds, we have seen 4 mild human infections with this particular clade, and scores of mammals have been severely infected, with many dying.
Because the risk of zoonotic transmission is not zero, last month we saw the release of ECDC Guidance For Testing & Identification Of Zoonotic Influenza Infections In Humans In The EU/EAA, while CDC Guidance can be found HERE.
Influenza - even among birds - is highly unpredictable, and we've seen bird flu make unexpected turns (see PNAS: The Enigma Of Disappearing HPAI H5 In North American Migratory Waterfowl).
But right now, 2022-2023 is looking like a bird flu season for the record books. Again.
