Europe 1 with AFP 2:15 p.m., May 2, 2022

The bird flu peak is over in France.

After the slaughter of 16 million poultry in the country, since the start of the epidemic at the end of November, the epizootic is decelerating, announced the Ministry of Agriculture.

At present, farms are emptied via massive slaughter of sick but also healthy animals, for preventive purposes.

Since the start of the bird flu epizootic in November, 16 million poultry have been slaughtered in France, a record number of slaughters on the territory, the Ministry of Agriculture said on Monday.

"The epidemic peak was passed at the end of March and the epizootic is decelerating", however noted the ministry.

Since the first case recorded in the north of France at the end of November, 1,364 farms have been contaminated by the virus, including 857 outbreaks recorded in Vendée and in the neighboring departments, where the authorities empty the farms via mass slaughter of sick animals but as healthy, preventively.

Avian influenza usually lasts until April

Ordinarily, crises linked to avian influenza remain generally confined to the South-West, in particular to duck farms intended for the production of foie gras.

Last year, nearly 500 outbreaks were recorded in farms and 3.5 million animals, mainly ducks, slaughtered.

Avian influenza has a seasonal character.

Transported by migrating birds from Asia, it usually begins to develop in October in Europe and continues until April.

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Avian flu: five farms affected in the north of France

But for the first time, wild birds contaminated farms this year during their migration from southern countries, which led to a second wave, which is coming to an end.

"It is especially the gallus - a variety of hen - which are affected", indicates the ministry concerning this wave.