France Elevates Avian Influenza Risk to High, Imposing Poultry Confinement Measures

French authorities have raised the avian influenza (bird flu) risk level in metropolitan France from 'moderate' to 'high' as of October 22, 2025. This elevation comes in response to confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected both in migratory wild birds and in domestic settings across the country. The decision, published officially in a government decree, mandates the confinement and protection of poultry to mitigate further spread.

In the last ten days alone, five HPAI outbreaks have been identified, including three cases in small-scale domestic flocks or "basses-cours." The risk escalation is notably earlier this year than in previous years when the high-risk level would typically be enacted in November or December. Since May, the epizootic risk was considered negligible but was raised to moderate the week prior, reflecting the increasing incidence.

Under the new measures, poultry must be sheltered, with their feeding areas safeguarded, particularly in farms housing more than 50 birds. Yet, certain relaxations allow farmers to let older chickens, guinea fowls, and turkeys access limited outdoor areas without prior authorization, balancing protection with animal welfare.

The broader European context reveals 37 poultry farm outbreaks reported in the Union between August and October, including some additional cases within France, underscoring ongoing regional risks. The heightened alert follows infection dynamics observed along migratory bird pathways crossing the nation, indicating an increased potential for viral transmission from wild to domestic birds.

This proactive escalation aims to curb further virus spread among poultry, protecting both agricultural interests and public health. According to Le Monde, these containment steps are crucial amid the rapid epidemiological developments (source 109423). Le Figaro notes the government's emphasis on migratory bird surveillance as a driver for this intensified response (source 109274).