A devastating bird flu outbreak in northeastern France has resulted in the deaths of approximately 10,000 migratory cranes, marking an unprecedented wildlife crisis that has now spread to domestic poultry farms.
Unprecedented Wildlife Tragedy
The outbreak began last month in the Grand Est region of France, prompting wildlife authorities to deploy emergency teams. According to the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), more than 5,000 carcasses have been collected near Lac du Der, a crucial stopover site for the species during their annual migration.
Vincent Montibert, head of Haute-Marne Departmental service of the French Biodiversity Office, described the situation as unprecedented. "Mobile brigades have been deployed and poultry farms in the area have been placed under confinement to contain the spread," he confirmed.
Farm Infection and Economic Impact
Despite containment efforts, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) reached a laying hen farm located just five kilometres from Lac du Der. The entire flock of approximately 3,800 to 3,900 hens succumbed to the virus, with only 300 surviving birds requiring culling.
The affected farmer reported rapid transmission, stating: "It spreads very quickly among them. Every day more hens were dying, until almost the whole flock was gone." The farm faces an estimated €35,000 financial loss due to a projected four-month halt in egg production.
European Response and Ongoing Concerns
France implemented mandatory poultry confinement in high-risk areas from October 21 and has made duck vaccination compulsory following a devastating 2023 epidemic. The current outbreak reflects a worrying pattern across Europe, with Ireland imposing a country-wide housing order for poultry this week.
Nigel Sweetnam, chair of the Irish Farmers' Association National Poultry Committee, expressed concern about changing patterns: "The whole pattern of bird flu is changing... It arrived probably a month earlier than normal and in different geographical locations."
Current statistics reveal the scale of the European crisis:
- 15 EU countries have recorded outbreaks this season
- 688 cases reported this year compared to 189 last year
- Germany has experienced 58 outbreaks out of 136 across the EU between August 1 and end of October
- Approximately one million poultry have been killed
While the outbreak appears to be slowing, the OFB warns that further deaths are likely as the migration season continues and new birds arrive, potentially carrying the virus. The Netherlands, Belgium and Britain have all taken similar containment actions in recent weeks.
