France has raised its bird flu alert to the highest level nationwide after several H5N1 outbreaks were detected in poultry farms and wild birds across the country. The decision, announced by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, marks the early start of the 2025–26 avian influenza season and triggers strict containment and surveillance measures to prevent further spread.
According to Reuters, the new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were detected in game-bird farms in northern France and among migratory wild birds. This prompted officials to elevate the alert from moderate to high, a level that mandates housing all poultry indoors, restricting bird transport, and increasing testing for the H5N1 virus.2
France is one of Europe’s leading poultry producers, and such alerts often lead to economic strain for farmers and tighter biosecurity rules across neighboring regions. Officials said the earlier-than-usual detection this year is likely linked to migratory bird movements that carry the virus into domestic flocks.
At the “high” alert level, all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors or under protective netting. Movements of live birds, eggs, and poultry products are restricted, and enhanced disinfection procedures are enforced at all farm entry and exit points.
Although avian influenza viruses can occasionally infect humans, the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that the risk to the general public in France remains low. Infection typically occurs through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets in closed environments.
Human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 strain remains extremely rare. However, health experts continue to advise strict hygiene measures and caution among people working in poultry farming, veterinary services, and wildlife handling.
Human infection with the avian influenza A(H5) virus—commonly called bird flu—typically starts with flu-like symptoms such as eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), mild fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue.
In more serious disease, individuals may develop high fever, shortness of breath, altered consciousness or seizures, with complications including pneumonia, respiratory failure, kidney injury, multi-organ failure, sepsis and brain inflammation.
The incubation period ranges from about 2 to 7 days (often ~3 days), and individuals may be contagious from a few days after symptom onset, though the exact period is not fully known.
Management in suspected or confirmed cases includes prompt medical evaluation, antiviral treatment where indicated, supportive care (oxygen, fluids, organ support), and close monitoring for complications—especially in high-risk groups such as those with direct exposure to infected birds or wild avian populations.1
Common bird flu symptoms in humans may include fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress. Individuals exposed to infected birds should seek medical attention if symptoms appear within 10 days.
France’s Ministry of Agriculture has activated early-season prevention strategies, including vaccination of ducks and other high-risk species. Authorities are collaborating with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to track avian influenza cases in Europe and ensure early containment.3
Local prefectures have issued public guidelines for both farmers and residents:
Avoid contact with dead or sick birds.
Report unusual bird deaths to veterinary services.
Ensure poultry and eggs are sourced from verified suppliers.
Cook poultry products thoroughly before consumption.
Maintain hygiene when handling raw meat to prevent contamination.
The European Food Safety Authority reported over 360 HPAI detections across 24 European countries since early 2025, highlighting the persistence of the H5N1 outbreak in the region. Neighboring nations, including the Netherlands and Germany, have also recorded sporadic farm infections.
France’s move to raise its avian influenza alert level comes as part of a coordinated EU strategy to reduce bird flu transmission risks and protect both public health and poultry exports.
While the bird flu threat to humans remains minimal, continued surveillance and vaccination campaigns are critical to control the virus at its animal source.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Signs & Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Humans.” Last reviewed October 22, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/signs-symptoms/index.html.
Reuters. “France Raises Bird Flu Alert Level to High After New Cases.” Reuters, October 21, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/france-raises-bird-flu-alert-level-high-after-new-cases-2025-10-21/.
RFI. “France Raises Bird Flu Alert to Highest Level Amid Spike in Cases.” Radio France Internationale, October 22, 2025. https://www.rfi.fr/en/france-raises-bird-flu-alert-to-highest-level-amid-spike-in-cases.
(Rh/eth/TL)
