As of November 9, 2024, the risk level for avian influenza in metropolitan France will be raised from 'moderate' to 'high', necessitating the confinement of poultry.

This decision is driven by persistent infection dynamics among migratory birds, prompting the need for enhanced surveillance and prevention measures.

However, minority agricultural unions, including Confédération paysanne and Modef, have criticized the mandatory confinement as 'incomprehensible' and ineffective, citing past experiences.

The avian influenza risk is categorized into three levels: 'negligible', 'moderate', and 'high', with the highest risk requiring stringent measures.

Under the new regulations, all poultry must be confined, with specific protections for farms housing more than 50 birds.

The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has plagued France since 2015, leading to the culling of tens of millions of birds and resulting in economic losses in the billions of euros.

The avian influenza virus has been detected in 24 European countries, with a notable increase in outbreaks, particularly in Hungary.

Since the beginning of the season, France has reported six outbreaks in poultry, two in captive birds, and ten cases in wild birds.

In response to the ongoing threat, the French government mandated vaccination for farms with more than 250 ducks starting in late 2023, with state subsidies covering 70% of costs.

Farmers like Marie from the Landes region have noted that while vaccination helps mitigate the crisis, it is not a complete solution, and adaptation is necessary.

The Ministry of Agriculture's goal with these new regulations is to enhance surveillance and prevention measures to avert further epizootic risks.

These developments necessitate stringent precautions for poultry farmers, including the mandatory confinement of birds to protect against the virus.