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The Avian Flu is back (Vendée under restrictions)

We are in bird migratory season. As of March 11, 2022, France has detected 649 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in livestock, 36 cases in wildlife and 15 cases in backyards. Since the end of February, outbreaks of HPAI have increased sharply in the Pays de la Loire. In the departments of Vendee and Loire-Atlantique new measures have had to be deployed to help slow the spread of the virus. We’ve gathered information on the latest measures for you, including links to the official decrees issued by the French Ministry of Agriculture, maps of detection zones, interactive maps etc. In all, thirty-four countries are affected by the HPAI virus on the whole of the European continent.UPDATE JUNE 2022 The restrictions have been lifted. Set your chickens freeeeeee!!!  UPDATE 22/04/2022 The French Ministry of Agriculture has decided to increase measures in those areas where H1N1 appears to be spreading …

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How the Bird Flu could affect us in the Vendée

Cases of HPAI serotype H5N8 virus or the Avian Flu, more commonly known as ‘the bird flu’, have recently been observed in Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium and in recent days also in France. Because we are in migratory season – in autumn large groups of wild birds migrate south for the winter – France is on high alert. The Vendée is one of 45 departments on high alert listed in the government’s recently issued decree. What does this mean for our department and for our families? We’ve gathered some history, information, and reading materials.What is the Avian Flu? – Avian Influenza (or bird flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect all birds and cause misc. issues depending on the pathogenicity of the virus and on the species. A Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – strain H5N8 has been detected in wild birds, especially ducks, geese …