Avian Influenza update in France

The Countryside Alliance, alongside other organisations, have been in constant contact with the relevant Government departments and Civil Servants regarding the ongoing Avian Influenza outbreak and confirmed cases the Vendee and Loire Atlantique areas of France – where most of the French game farms that supply the UK market are located.

Whilst the situation is changing day-by-day, we are concerned that we are already seeing a reduction in game birds reared overall – currently estimated to be 5% at the end of this week. If we start to receive eggs in 8 weeks' time, we estimate a further 40-50% reduction for the upcoming season.

As we understand it, DEFRA & French officials are working hard to get this issue resolved - however the disease is spreading fast and an obvious solution has not presented itself. The latest data can be found HERE.

The PACEC report values shooting to be worth £2.5billion to the economy every year. This includes, amongst many other factors, wages, housing & independent store spend. The hit to the rural economy would be grave. Spend on wages alone are estimated to be £250million and we are already seeing shoots closing their doors for the upcoming season, hatching equipment being sold on second-hand websites and Gamekeepers scrambling to find jobs.

We at the Alliance will continue to monitor this situation, and keep you updated.

It remains absolutely vital to ensure the rules and regulations laid out HERE are followed if you are within a disease control zone.

We also remind members that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains active across the UK. These are legal requirements that all bird keepers must follow. Details can be found HERE.