France's Poultry Gains Freedom: A Triumph Over Bird Flu

France allows poultry outdoors following a successful bird flu vaccination program. The initiative, targeting farm ducks susceptible to the virus, helped France regain its bird flu-free status. Despite trade restrictions, the program benefits French poultry production, prompting other countries to consider similar measures amid the global avian influenza crisis.

France announced a major milestone on Wednesday, declaring its poultry flocks can roam outdoors again following a significant decline in bird flu cases. The success has been tied to a comprehensive vaccination program that began in 2023, making France the first large poultry exporter to adopt such a nationwide strategy.

The vaccination campaign primarily focused on farm ducks, known for their vulnerability to the avian influenza virus. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard shared the good news with lawmakers, emphasizing the restored status of France as a bird flu-free nation and the reduced risk levels allowing ducks to be released.

While trade restrictions from some countries remain in effect, the French poultry sector has seen a recovery, attributed largely to the vaccination efforts. As infections contribute to economic challenges in other regions like the U.S., which faces soaring egg prices, calls for similar vaccine initiatives are growing. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom reported a new angle in the crisis with a bird flu case detected in a sheep.

(With inputs from agencies.)