France: bird flu alert in 45 departments

(ANSA) - PARIS, 05 NOV - Forty-five French departments have been declared today at "high" risk of avian flu. In the areas in question. therefore, the confinement of poultry has taken place, with the hope of averting the return of this disease harmful to farms. In a decree adopted by the transalpine authorities, the "need to take urgent and immediate preventive measures to protect French poultry farms from potential contamination by avian influenza virus" is stressed. The document mentions, in particular, "wild birds, in particular, in areas at risk or in departments crossed by corridors" of migratory birds. Known departments for the production of foie gras, such as Landes and Gers, are listed among the 45 risk areas. (HANDLE).