The Minister of Agriculture, Julien Denormandie, said that a first case of avian flu had been detected in France, in the department of Haute-Corse.

About 200 to 300 hens were euthanized according to the minister.

A first case of avian flu was detected in France, in a pet store located in Haute-Corse, Agriculture and Food Minister Julien Denormandie said Monday evening.

"We learned about it at the start of the afternoon," said Mr. Denormandie during an interview for Public Senate-LCP-Le Figaro.

This detection gave rise to "the euthanasia of a farm of approximately 200 to 300 hens" on the spot, specified the minister.

The whole territory in a state of high risk

"The case was identified in the animal department of a garden center located near Bastia, following the observation of abnormal mortalities among the poultry detained", said in parallel the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in a statement.

However, "the consumption of meat, foie gras and eggs - and more generally of any food product - does not present any risk for humans", assures the ministry.

Following this case, the minister "brought together all the departments of the ministry and the national reference laboratory and decided to place the whole of the metropolitan national territory at a high risk level as of November 17, 2020", specifies the press release.

In this context, "specific measures to monitor and limit movements around the Haute-Corse outbreak were put in place immediately to prevent any propagation. Protective measures are also taken at suppliers and buyers linked to the Corsican outbreak", is it added.

Cases in several European countries

Julien Denormandie did not rule out that other cases could be detected in France, this virus being spread through migratory birds.

"Our goal is to limit this spread, it is preventable as soon as all of these measures are taken," he said.

Several departments were already placed at "high" risk since November 5.

The minister specified that the French services have prepared in recent months for the detection on national soil of a case of avian flu.

The disease has already appeared in other countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Ireland or Great Britain.

In the last few days, cases have also been detected in Denmark as well as in Belgium.