France: 2022-2026 H5N1 in wild birds

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Thirteen confirmed cases of avian flu in Avion, Harnes and Courrières: the prefecture is taking action

Since December 5th, thirteen bird carcasses have been discovered in the Glissoire park in Avion, as well as on the lagoons and the Lens canal in Harnes and Courrières. Tests have confirmed that they died from avian influenza. The prefecture has implemented measures in a large area around Lens.

ByYouenn Martin Journalist at the Lens agency
Published December 24, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Amended December 25, 2025 at 11:17 AM


Bad news for poultry farmers and pigeon fanciers in Lens and the surrounding area. Twenty-two of the fifty municipalities in the district are now in a high-risk zone for avian influenza. Farm birds must be kept indoors. All gatherings of birds are prohibited. The movement of people and vehicles is also to be avoided at poultry farms, which must be equipped with footbaths. Hunters must also take every precaution to avoid spreading the disease. All these measures are listed in a decree signed by the Prefect of Pas-de-Calais this Wednesday.
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​https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/1659583...aire-avion-harnes-et-courrieres-la-prefecture

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Hauts-de-France/
Pas-de-Calais​

MAP. Thirteen cases of avian flu have been detected; the prefecture is taking measures around Lens
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Written by
Laure Morineau
Published on
25/12/2025 at 10:44

Since December 5, 2025, 13 cases of avian influenza have been detected in bird carcasses in Avion (Pas-de-Calais) and in the lagoons and the Lens canal in Harnes and Courrières. The prefecture has implemented measures to limit the spread of this virus. Discover the affected municipalities on our map.

Suspected cases of avian influenza have been confirmed. Since December 5, 2025, 13 carcasses of geese, gulls, moorhens and swans have been discovered at the water slide park in Avion and on the lagoons and the Lens canal in Harnes and Courrières.

Following medical tests, the results came back positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 virus. In a decree issued on Wednesday, December 24, the Pas-de-Calais prefecture implemented measures around an area to limit the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Twenty-two municipalities affected

In total, 22 municipalities around Lens are affected by these measures. The implementation of these rules includes a ban on gatherings of birds and a census of all poultry holding facilities within the affected municipalities. Hygiene protocols (footbaths, changing clothes, disinfection, etc.) are reinforced on farms, where the movement of people, mammals, and vehicles is to be avoided.

(map)
Outdoor activities outside of forest or rural paths are prohibited. While hunting remains permitted, hunters must follow biosecurity rules to prevent the spread of the virus.

A count of wild bird carcasses is being carried out, notably by agents of the French Office for Biodiversity. Individuals are advised not to approach the birds and to report any carcasses, which will then be collected by the town hall.

The measures will end no earlier than 21 days after the discovery of the last bird that tested positive for the virus.

https://france3-regions.franceinfo....prend-des-mesures-autour-de-lens-3272039.html
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/https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
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​City of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
1h ·

We are informing you of the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases in wild birds in the municipality of #saintesmariesdelamer

The French Office for Biodiversity observed a significant mortality of approximately fifty swans on January 15th in the marshes north of the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. A sample of the swans was collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis as part of the HPAI surveillance program. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected in all tests.

In this context, the prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône took the necessary regulatory precautions to prevent the spread of the virus by establishing an infected wildlife zone (HIPC) which extends over the municipalities of Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Please find attached the prefectural decree.

This zone entails measures for poultry farmers, outdoor activities as well as for hunting activities.

Walkers:

To limit the spread of the virus, please stay on marked paths and do not approach or feed wild birds;

After your walk, change your clothes and shoes if you are going to visit a poultry farm or a farmyard.

If you find dead birds:

Do not touch and note the place of discovery (if possible, geolocate it);

Call 07 64 47 87 83 (departmental service of the French Office for Biodiversity - OFB) or 04 42 92 16 75 (Bouches-du-Rhône Hunters Federation).

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​https://www.facebook.com/smariesdelamer/posts/941995588154314?ref=embed_post





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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sougeal
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Sougéal

Bird flu confirmed in Brittany: swans found dead in a marsh in Ille-et-Vilaine

Loïck Guellec
Published on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:06 AM


The Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture confirmed on Friday, January 23, 2026, that the mute swans found dead in the Sougéal marsh, near Fougères, had been infected with the avian influenza virus. A risk prevention zone has been established in four municipalities.

Mute swans were found dead on January 14, 2026, in the Sougéal marsh in Ille-et-Vilaine. They were victims of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the Ille-et-Vilaine prefecture confirmed in a press release on Friday, January 23. This virus , which is actively circulating in Europe via migratory birds, is particularly contagious. It remains active primarily in droppings and stagnant water.

Prevention zone

" The prefect of Ille-et-Vilaine has issued an order aimed at preventing the risk of the disease spreading and its introduction into poultry farms ," ​​the statement specifies. A risk prevention zone has been established by the prefecture around the location where the infected birds were discovered; it includes the municipalities of Sougéal and Vieux-Viel, as well as part of the territories of Pleine-Fougères and Val-Couesnon. Within these zones, measures are being implemented to protect poultry farms from potential contamination by wild birds, including the collection of wild bird carcasses by municipal services, the registration of all bird holding facilities, enhanced biosecurity and self-monitoring on farms, and restrictions on hunting and outdoor activities.

https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/env...rts-dans-un-marais-en-ille-et-vilaine-5863359

 

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaivre-et-Montoille
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The first case of avian flu has been detected in a swan in Vaivre.

Updated on 29/01/2026

AVIAN INFLUENZA: First case of avian flu detected in a swan in Vaivre

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was identified on January 26, 2026, in a swan found dead in Vaivre-et-Montoille (70000). This virus, which circulates actively in Europe via migratory birds or among native wildlife, is particularly contagious and pathogenic for birds. It persists and remains active primarily in droppings and stagnant water containing contaminated droppings.

Visitors are strongly urged not to approach or feed wild birds and not to pick up any birds found dead.

It is recalled that, in order to prevent the spread of the virus to other birds, the entire public must avoid frequenting wetlands (edges of ponds, pools and rivers) where wild birds congregate, even in their absence, due to the possible presence of the virus in droppings and soiled areas.

As the monitoring of wild birds by the SAGIR network is being strengthened throughout the department, the discovery of dead birds must be reported to:

• the departmental branch of the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) – Tel: 03 84 76 17 00;

Or

• the departmental federation of hunters of Haute-Saône – Tel: 03 84 97 13 53.

Serge Jacob, Prefect of Haute-Saône, is calling for vigilance from all stakeholders, particularly poultry farmers, technicians in the poultry industry, bird owners (especially those keeping backyard flocks and aviaries), and veterinarians, to do everything possible to limit the spread of this virus. This requires, in particular, the strict application of biosecurity measures.
Due to the high risk level of highly pathogenic avian influenza throughout the national territory, the following health protection measures must be implemented everywhere by any owner or keeper of poultry or captive birds:

• proceed to shelter the animals kept or isolate them with nets, from any contact with wild birds;

• watering and feeding birds and poultry, strictly inside buildings, regardless of the food;

• prohibit all access to water points, unless they are entirely under netting;

• use dedicated footwear and clothing to access the part of the farm where the poultry are kept;

• monitor the birds daily and, if necessary, report any abnormal behavior or signs of illness to a veterinarian without delay.

For more information on these measures, you can refer to the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty: https://agriculture.gouv.fr/influen...operateurs-professionnels-et-les-particuliers

REMINDER : Consuming any food product derived from poultry poses no risk to humans .
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https://www.haute-saone.gouv.fr/Act...-grippe-aviaire-detecte-sur-un-cygne-a-Vaivre
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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limoges
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Living environment, solidarity, health

Temporary closure of the Aurence animal park

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Due to the detection of several birds with avian influenza in the Vallée de l'Aurence animal park, the park is under surveillance and closed to the public (as well as its parking lot) until further notice.

Published on January 30, 2026

The wildlife park is subject to very regular monitoring by veterinary professionals, who have had to carry out the preventive culling of potentially infected birds. During this migratory period, contact with wild birds is possible. All disinfection and preventative measures are in place.

Download the prefectural decree

​https://www.limoges.fr/actualites/fermeture-temporaire-du-parc-animalier-de-laurence
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"All the ducks and poultry are being killed": cases of avian flu have been detected in this park popular with families.

Written by Mickaël Duché , Christophe Bodin and Franck Petit
Published on 30/01/2026 at 11:11 AM

Bird flu has struck at least two chickens at the Parc de L'Aurence in Limoges, Haute-Vienne. The park, a popular spot for families, was cordoned off by police and several dozen domestic birds were culled on Thursday evening.


Dozens of domestic birds in the Parc de l'Aurence, in Limoges, were shot dead on the evening of Thursday, January 29, after at least two cases of avian flu were detected during the week.

On the weekend of January 24th and 25th, an animal keeper at the Parc de l'Aurence noted the death of a first animal, a guinea fowl. This first case of mortality did not overly concern him.

However, when his colleagues discovered two other dead poultry this week, they immediately sent them to a laboratory for analysis. The result came back: it was avian influenza.

All the birds were shot down.

As is standard procedure in such circumstances, all the birds at Parc de l'Aurence were culled, including those kept under netting. This was because the keepers may have spread the disease while moving between the different enclosures.

Guillaume Maneuf, owner of a bed and breakfast on the edge of the park, did not hide his sorrow: "It's a bit sad to learn that all the ducks and poultry in the park have been killed. There is the precautionary principle, but I hope they will put in other animals when the crisis is over. After all, it's what contributes to the appeal of this park for families and walkers who come every weekend," he lamented.

The ordeal was difficult for the park's keepers who witnessed the slaughter. Cyril Vermuse, the city's director of green spaces, confided that "it was a blow to their morale because they had been following these animals for several years, and you inevitably become attached to them."

The veterinary services mobilized

On Friday, January 30th, agents from the OFB (French Office for Biodiversity) intervened and shot two ducks on the pond. Veterinary service agents are also on site to capture any birds that might land there and to determine preventative measures. Dressed in all-white protective suits, they are carrying out several disinfection procedures.
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https://france3-regions.franceinfo....ire-detectes-dans-un-parc-urbain-3290937.html

 

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Grand-Luc%C3%A9
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Bird flu: the Sarthe prefecture orders the culling of six birds in a park in Grand-Lucé

Augustin Hourlier
Published onThursday, February 26, 2026 at 12:38 PM

On Thursday, February 26, the prefecture ordered the culling of six birds due to cases of avian influenza. These were geese and swans from a private park in Grand-Lucé. This order does not impose any additional restrictions on nearby farms.

The detection of two cases of avian influenza in a private park in Grand-Lucé prompted this preventative order from the Sarthe prefecture. On Thursday, February 26, the prefect ordered the culling of six birds, swans and geese. This order does not impose any additional restrictions on poultry farms in the surrounding Sarthe region.

Reminder to be vigilant

The prefecture is taking advantage of this decree to issue a reminder to remain vigilant. " Even if this outbreak among ornamental birds has little impact, it reminds us of the need to respect the measures in place across the entire country since the move to a high risk level on October 22, 2025," the press release states. While Sarthe is not affected by avian influenza, outbreaks remain in France. " As of February 23, 2026, there are 118 outbreaks in commercial poultry farms and 26 in captive animals (backyard poultry/ornamental birds) nationwide. " According to government services, the risk will increase in the coming weeks , coinciding with the migration period of wild birds.

The prefecture reminds everyone of the preventive measures to protect livestock in our department:
• sheltering poultry of all species;
• prohibiting gatherings of birds and racing pigeon competitions;
• covering trucks transporting waterfowl;
• restricting the movement of game and the use of decoys (live birds or artificial tools used to attract game by hunters).

Exemptions to the requirement to shelter poultry in commercial farms are possible depending on the species and age of the animals. Backyard poultry and ornamental birds kept by private individuals must be declared to the town hall
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https://www.francebleu.fr/pays-de-l...ix-oiseaux-dans-un-parc-au-grand-luce-5573109

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​wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6672

 

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Related to post #164:

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Living environment

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The Aurence animal park remains closed.

Placed under surveillance and closed to the public (as well as its parking lot) since the end of January due to the detection of several birds with avian influenza, the Aurence animal park has since undergone three disinfection treatments (on January 28, February 11 and February 18), and a liming operation on February 23.

Published on March 2, 2026

Following bacteriological testing carried out today, it unfortunately appears that the outbreak of avian influenza is still present. A further decontamination of the enclosures must therefore be performed for a period of 21 days. The park and its parking lot will thus remain closed to the public until further notice.

https://www.limoges.fr/actualites/fermeture-maintenue-du-parc-animalier-de-laurence


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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haute-Savoie
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Haute-Savoie: First case of avian flu detected in a swan on the shores of Lake Annecy

Marie Ameline
Published onThursday, March 12, 2026 at 4:28 PM

This is the first confirmed case of avian flu in the Savoie region. A swan on Lake Annecy was detected as infected on Tuesday, reveals the Haute-Savoie prefecture, which is urging people not to feed or approach wild birds, whether alive or dead, as the virus is particularly contagious.

The first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected this Tuesday in a wattled swan on the shores of Lake Annecy, according to the Haute-Savoie prefecture. This is the first confirmed case of avian influenza in the Savoie region, which had previously been spared, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Agriculture as of March 6. The Ministry reports that 120 outbreaks have been identified in commercial poultry farms and 29 in backyard flocks and non-commercial captive birds.

Do not approach or feed wild birds
The public is urged not to feed or approach wild birds, whether alive or dead, as the virus is highly contagious. Sheltering captive birds, including those kept in backyard flocks, is mandatory. Vehicles transporting waterfowl older than three days must be covered to prevent significant loss of feathers and down.

https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/san...r-un-cygne-en-bordure-du-lac-d-annecy-6578371

 

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Bird flu: lifting of the restricted zone around the Aurence park

Valérie Mosnier
Published onTuesday, March 17, 2026 at 3:08 AM

This is good news for all lovers of the Aurence animal park in Limoges. The Haute-Vienne prefecture announced on Monday the lifting of the restricted zone, nearly two months after the discovery of an outbreak of avian flu. The park will therefore reopen in the coming days.

In Limoges, the surveillance zone around the Aurence animal park has been lifted, the Haute-Vienne prefecture announced. A protection zone and a surveillance zone had been established after the discovery of an avian influenza outbreak on January 29th . Following several cleaning and disinfection operations, and inspections of all farms housing poultry or captive birds, the prefecture services decided to reclassify the area as disease-free . Eighteen municipalities within a 10-kilometer radius of Limoges are affected.

However, both individuals and professionals still have an obligation to keep birds indoors. In France, regarding avian influenza, the level has remained "high" since October 22nd .

In early March, the City of Limoges announced that it was extending the closure of the Aurence park for 21 days , until March 23.

https://www.francebleu.fr/nouvelle-...glementee-autour-du-parc-de-l-aurence-3189420