The Chamber of Agriculture announced on Sunday evening that all animals were slaughtered in the affected farm. In addition, a protection zone has been set up around the affected company. It is the second avian flu outbreak in the southwest this winter.
Migratory birds over the foie gras region
Eight cases had previously become known in the north of the country. Since the beginning of November, poultry farmers in France have had to lock up all animals to prevent infection from wild animals.
“We are on the route of migratory birds from Northern Europe, where the virus is spreading rapidly,” said Marie-Hélène Cazaubon, chairwoman of the Chamber of Agriculture in the Les Landes department. The ducks and geese to be eaten for Christmas have already left the farms, she added.
Avian flu became a problem last year
Avian flu had spread rapidly in France last winter. About 15 departments were affected. A total of 3.5 million animals were slaughtered.
Southwest France is known for the controversial delicacy of foie gras. Several municipalities that have green mayors have banned foie gras at receptions and Christmas parties in the town hall in recent years. These include, for example, Lyon, Strasbourg and Grenoble.
Foie gras producers and some politicians from the southwest are protesting against it. They refer to the culinary tradition in France and to today’s method of plugging, which respects animal welfare better than in the past.