France Lowers Bird Flu Alert to Moderate Nationwide

Overview

• The Agriculture Ministry said the downgrade takes effect Monday following Sunday's publication in the Journal officiel.
• The change lifts the blanket order to keep poultry indoors, allowing many farmers to return flocks outside except in designated sensitive zones.
• Authorities cited an improved outlook, noting no active cases on April 16 and no recent detections during spring migration.
• Key safeguards remain in place, including tighter rules on bird gatherings in risk areas and tarps on trucks moving young ducks and geese to prevent feather and down loss.
• France recorded 151 outbreaks this season after raising the alert early in October 2025, and officials still urge vigilance despite the easing.