France Downgrades Avian Flu Risk from High to Moderate
France reduces avian flu risk from high to moderate, easing animal transport restrictions.
Event / Health
France Avian Flu Risk Reduction
France lowers avian flu risk classification from high to moderate effective April 27, 2026, based on improved sanitary conditions. The moderate level permits relaxed animal transport restrictions while maintaining biosecurity measures. France had recorded 151 highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks during the 2025-2026 season.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 26 Apr, 12:07 UTC
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What happened
France recorded 151 highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks in 2025-2026 season
During the 2025-2026 avian flu season (August 2025 to July 2026), France faced multiple outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, with at least 151 confirmed cases across several French departments as of April 17, 2026.
France lowers avian flu risk level from high to moderate
France's government lowered the avian flu risk level for metropolitan France from 'high' to 'moderate' effective Monday, April 27, 2026. The decision was made based on an improvement in the sanitary situation within poultry farms and wild bird populations, according to a decree published on April 21, 2026 in the Journal officiel. This change repeals the October 17, 2025 decree that had classified the risk as 'high'.
Moderate avian flu risk level allows relaxation of animal transport restrictions
Under the moderate risk level, restrictions on animal movement are relaxed compared to high risk levels. Vehicles transporting waterfowl older than three days must be equipped with systems such as tarps or equivalents preventing significant loss of feathers and down. Enhanced biosecurity measures during waterfowl transport and special conditions for transport of decoy birds remain in place for the entire territory.
High risk level for avian flu activated earlier than usual in France
The high risk level for avian flu was activated on October 17, 2025 in France, earlier than in previous years when it was typically activated in November or December. The high risk level triggers measures including mandatory confinement of poultry.
Avian flu risk classification system uses three levels in France
France's avian flu risk system classifies epizootic risk into three categories: 'negligible', 'moderate', and 'high'. These categories assess the risk to poultry and other captive birds from infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) transmitted by wild birds.
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