Lorraine: New bird flu alert

A new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in a swan found dead on the territory of the municipality of Damvillers (Meuse) confirms virus circulation in wild birds.

As a result, an interdepartmental decree was issued affecting the Meuse and Meurthe-et-Moselle departments defining a Temporary Control Zone (ZCT) with a radius of 20 km around the site where the dead bird was found. , was within that range. Hygiene measures will be strengthened. This ZCT, which includes 13 communes within the sector, adds to those defined last week around Lake Madine.
from now on, 59 Communes of Meurthe-et-Mosellerelated to the following measures, listed below:

• All poultry and farm bird owners, both professional and private, strictly adhere to biosecurity measures, in particular animal protection, food and water protection, cleaning and disinfection of farm clothing and equipment. is needed. Deaths or unusual clinical signs should be reported to the veterinarian monitoring the farm or backyard.
• All locations where poultry and captive birds are kept are subject to specific requirements. Further details can be found on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, which can be accessed at the following address (here)
• A self-checking surveillance system has been set up on farms with over 250 species and all production types of birds to detect disease outbreaks.
• Poultry movements, including game, are also subject to self-checks for all species and all stages of production.
• Regarding the management of hunting activities in Temporary Management Areas, the applicable measures are:
• The transport and release of game birds from farms within temporary management areas is permitted under certain conditions.
• The movement and transport of game birds slaughtered in temporary management areas and their meat is prohibited.
• There are restrictions on the movement and use of decoys.

Remind yourself of the importance of strict adherence to biosecurity measures and increased surveillance by professionals, private bird owners and hunters to limit the risk of spreading infection.Biosecurity measures available here.
You are invited to report clinical signs or mortality to the DDPP of Meurthe-et-Moselle (ddpp@meurthe-et-moselle.gouv.fr) or to a veterinarian.

With respect to recommendations for the general public aimed at limiting transmission of the virus between animals, the following recommendations should be respected:

• Avoid contact with wild birds, including feathers and droppings.
• Do not touch or pick up wild, sick or dead birds.
• If you find a dead bird, do not touch or move it. If you find a dead bird, especially a wild waterfowl, you must report it to the town hall where you found it or to the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) on 06 99 21 94 43 or by email. sd54@ofb.gouv.fr

Consumption of foods made from meat, foie gras, eggs, and more generally poultry poses no risk to humans.