France Escalates Bird Flu Alert Amid Rising Cases in Europe

France has elevated its bird flu alert to 'high' as Europe experiences a rapid spread of the disease. The government mandates farms to keep poultry indoors to prevent further outbreaks. This move follows a rise in infections among migratory birds and domestic poultry, threatening food supply and prices.

France has heightened its bird flu alert level from 'moderate' to 'high', necessitating farms to confine poultry indoors as European nations grapple with a rapid seasonal resurgence of the disease.

The spread of avian influenza, or bird flu, has become a significant concern for governments and the poultry industry. It has resulted in the death or culling of millions of poultry, disrupted supply chains, increased food prices, and intensified pandemic fears. The French agriculture ministry noted a rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza detections, especially among migratory birds in countries like Spain and Germany, as well as France itself.

With confirmed outbreaks in commercial and backyard farms within the Atlantic migration corridor, France is also launching its third annual vaccination campaign against bird flu, primarily targeting farm ducks. This policy has been credited with reducing the prevalence of the disease in past years.

(With inputs from agencies.)