Living

France cuts bird flu risk to lowest level

By Reuters Reuters
FILE PHOTO: A researcher uses a pipette to transfer a sample into a microtube during a press visit, as researchers work to monitor and prevent the spread of avian influenza, including the H7N9 bird flu virus, at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, November 24, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A researcher uses a pipette to transfer a sample into a microtube during a press visit, as researchers work to monitor and prevent the spread of avian influenza, including the H7N9 bird flu virus, at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, November 24, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo Gonzalo Fuentes Reuters

PARIS - The French government has cut its assessment of bird flu risk to its lowest level, lifting measures to contain the virus, including requiring poultry to be kept indoors, from Wednesday unless local authorities impose restrictions.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a seasonal disease that typically emerges in autumn with migratory birds and recedes in spring.

• The risk level for highly pathogenic bird flu was reduced to "negligible" from "moderate", the agriculture ministry said.

• No nationwide measures remain in place, though local prefects may impose restrictions based on local risk assessments, according to the official journal.

• France lowered its risk assessment to "moderate" from "high" in late April.

(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide. Editing by Mark Potter)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 2:17 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER