France: 2022-2025 H5N1 in wild birds

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Valleroy
Metz

Avian flu: "Between 2,000 and 2,500 dead cranes in Lorraine, it's quite catastrophic"

Natacha Kadur
Published onMonday, October 27, 2025 at 3:22 p.m.

The Lorraine Wildlife Rescue Center (CSFL) has reported a fairly high mortality rate among cranes migrating overhead, victims of avian flu. If you find a dead or sick animal in your home, it is advisable to call specialists.

Dozens of cases of dead birds are being reported daily at the end of October to the Wildlife Rescue Center (CSFL) located in Valleroy, in the Pays Haut region: " We must have reached 2,000 or 2,500 crane deaths in the Lorraine region. The epidemic is spreading from Germany to Spain, with mortality across this entire diagonal, which corresponds to the species' migration line," comments Alexandre Portmann, director of the organization. An impressive mortality rate, " a lot all at once ," but compared to the hundreds of thousands of birds currently flying overhead in Lorraine, he adds.

Cranes crashing in mid-air

Animals found dead in migratory stopover areas, such as the Lachaussée nature reserve or the Hamel pond, but also in the woods and sometimes in inhabited areas : " We are contacted about individuals that even fall from the sky since avian flu causes neurological disorders. We have birds that no longer know what they are doing, they fly off in migration and crash on roofs or in courtyards in the city center while trying to land. It's quite catastrophic," adds the wildlife specialist.

Do not touch a dead or sick animal

If you see a dead or sick animal in your garden, you should avoid touching it, Alexandre Portmann reminds us: " The only thing to do is to notify the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) or the fire brigade, which has an animal section, and discuss with them what to do, whether the bird is dead or alive. For dying birds that have fallen in the open countryside, there is not much that can be done: there is a vaccine against avian flu for domestic animals, but no treatment," he adds.

https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/environnement/grippe-aviaire-entre-2000-a-2500-grues-mortes-en-lorraine-c-est-assez-catastrophique-6987206

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"We're getting into the hard stuff": abnormal mortality of common cranes, the avian flu virus is early and virulent

France 3 Aquitaine
Written by
Camille Michelland and Guillaume Ployé
Published on
10/28/2025 at 11:59 AM

As cranes begin their winter migration from northern to southern Europe, this year they are carrying the avian flu virus with them. Several were found dead in the Landes region, contaminated. This massacre is indicative of the virus's early and global circulation.

They announce the arrival of winter. Common cranes have begun their migration from northern European countries to Spain. They often stop over or decide to spend the winter in the Southwest. There is one place they particularly covet: the Arjuzanx Nature Reserve in the Landes region, ideally located on their migration route. Here, they easily find food, between the wetlands and cornfields. The reserve is also an excellent resting place before continuing their journey further south.

Abnormal mortality

Every year during the winter, nearly 30,000 cranes pass through the Arjuzanx Nature Reserve, making it one of the most important migratory sites in Europe. But this year, the very first cranes arrived sick, contaminated by avian flu. "We have observed an abnormal mortality of cranes ," confides Sophie Laugareil, curator at the Arjuzanx Nature Reserve, in the Landes region.

"This year, cranes are particularly affected throughout Europe."
Sophie Laugareil
Curator at the Arjuzanx Nature Reserve

Further north, at Lac du Der in Champagne, another stopover for common cranes, cases of avian flu have already been reported. The Arjuzanx nature reserve was therefore expecting to see sick cranes arrive with the migration phenomenon. "We knew that the migratory corridor was affected, and we were no exception," Sophie Laugareil saddened.

As the migration of common cranes is just beginning, this massacre is not a good sign. "Cranes migrate in groups, which further encourages contamination and mass mortality ," explains Jean-Luc Guérin, a lecturer and researcher specializing in avian influenza.

While this mortality phenomenon is occurring everywhere in France, and can be impressive, it is not "a new phenomenon ," assures Jean-Luc Guérin. This has already been observed in seabirds, he explains. On the other hand, "common cranes are very large birds whose corpses are easily spotted compared to small birds," the researcher qualifies.

Revealing birds

Since October 17, the risk level for bird flu has risen from "moderate" to "high" in France, the highest level. The discovery of several outbreaks across the country has prompted health authorities to raise the level. "It's early for the season ," explains Jean-Luc Guérin.

Cases of bird flu among cranes have also prompted the government to raise the bar. "The fact that cranes are starting to become infected shows that the virus is already circulating intensely ," the bird flu specialist explains. "We can expect even higher mortality rates in the coming weeks ," he says.

According to the specialist, this phenomenon of avian flu among common cranes is revealing. "It shows that there is active circulation throughout Europe, with introductions into farms reported almost daily in France and Europe ," explains Jean-Luc Guérin.

"We must be extra vigilant in the coming weeks."
Jean-Luc Guérin
Teacher-researcher specializing in avian flu

"We're getting to the hard part," says Jean-Luc Guérin. While a vaccine against avian flu has existed for two years, it is only intended for farmed birds. Since common cranes are wild animals, it is not possible to vaccinate them. "The goal of the vaccine is to achieve territorial immunity to block transmission chains," explains Jean-Luc Guérin. He assures that the vaccine has proven its effectiveness even if "we cannot prevent a few outbreaks from occurring."

https://france3-regions.franceinfo.fr/nouvelle-aquitaine/gironde/bordeaux/on-rentre-dans-le-dur-mortalite-anormale-des-grues-cendrees-le-virus-de-la-grippe-aviaire-est-precoce-et-virulent-3240271.html

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Avian influenza: taking action to prevent it

Updated on 30/10/2025



Situation update in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Significant mortality cases due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have been observed in common cranes during their migration from northeastern to southwestern France. France has been classified as high-risk since October 22, 2025 .

Common crane migrations take place in mainland France from the Northeast to the Southwest until the end of November, with a peak between October 20 and November 15.

• Cases of HPAI have been observed in recent days in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Four cranes have been diagnosed as carriers of the virus in different locations within the Gironde department (as of October 30, 2025).
• The services of the French Office for Biodiversity, as well as the Federations of hunters and the managers of nature reserves carry out a count of bird mortalities and inform the bodies responsible for animal health monitoring.

The PIGMA platform lists the areas regulated by prefectural decree in the context of avian influenza. The different visible zones are ZS (surveillance zone), ZP (protection zone), ZRS (additional regulated zone), ZRD (areas at risk of spread), ZRP (areas at particular risk).

Biosecurity measures for individuals

Although the risk to humans remains low, the HPAI virus has zoonotic potential (meaning that a risk to human health may exist). The virus also impacts poultry production. Finally, it poses a challenge for the conservation of wild populations.

In this context, certain measures should be taken:

→ If you find yourself facing a sick bird:

• Do not approach it.
• Do not touch it.
• Do not transport them.
• If you own a backyard flock, do not come into contact with your birds without prior sanitary precautions (cleaning and disinfecting shoes, boots, etc.).
• It is recommended to note the location and where you found it and to report it to your local town hall or to a hunting federation near you.

→ If you come across a dead bird:

• Do not pick it up
• Note the location of your discovery
• Notify the town hall, or a hunters' federation near you.

More information on biosecurity measures
Downloadable brochure: "The right reflexes in the face of avian and swine flu"

Recommendations for professionals

Certain measures are necessary to protect animals:

From the farmers' perspective, it is necessary to:

• Respect biosecurity measures,
• Shelter poultry and captive birds
• protect feeding areas, watering areas, and bedding areas.
• Do not organize gatherings of birds, due to the high level of risk.

From the healthcare center's perspective, it is necessary to:

• Ensure compliance with the necessary biosecurity measures
• To prevent the spread of the virus and the contamination of other animals present.

More information on biosecurity measures

What should you do if you are exposed to a sick bird?

In case of direct exposure to these animals, it is advisable to monitor your health for 10 days after exposure. If symptoms occur during this period (fatigue, fever, body aches, headache, runny nose, cough, red eyes, difficulty breathing, disorientation, dizziness, etc.), the person should consult a doctor immediately and mention the potential exposure.
...

https://www.gironde.gouv.fr/Actions-de-l-Etat/Animaux-sante-et-protection-animales/Influenza-aviaire-agir-pour-prevenir

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza in common cranes (press release)

Updated on 29/10/2025





Highly pathogenic avian influenza in common cranes: First case detected in the Loiret

An outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been observed since October 18, 2025, along the migration route of common cranes in the departments stretching from northeastern to southwestern France. Common crane migrations are expected to peak in the coming weeks and continue until the end of November . Other species of wild birds may also be affected.

In the Loiret region, a common crane specimen has just been identified as infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the town of Gien.

This discovery necessitates taking additional precautionary measures, even though the situation appears favorable given that it concerns only one bird, in an area with low poultry farming density and not known as a gathering area for wild birds.

---

For the municipalities surrounding the location where this infected bird was discovered, that is to say:

• ARRABLOY,
• BRIARE,
• GIEN,
• POILLY-LEZ-GIEN,
• SAINT-BRISSON-SUR-LOIRE,
• SAINT-FIRMIN-SUR-LOIRE and
• SAINTMARTIN-SUR-OCRE

A prefectoral decree, applicable from October 30, 2025, defines additional measures aimed at reducing the risk of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in wild birds and the introduction of the virus into establishments holding poultry and captive birds:

• reminder of biosecurity measures to be respected in livestock farming, backyards and by hunters: use dedicated clothing and wash hands and put on boots before entering your farm, do not introduce into your farm materials or food that could have been contaminated by wild birds, do not let your dog approach poultry for two days after a hunt;
• carrying out self-checks in certain categories of professional farms (duck farms, game bird farms and breeder farms): it should be noted that none of the farms known to the administration in these municipalities are part of these categories;
• prohibition of movement and release of any game birds;
• Prohibition on the transport and use of decoys for waterfowl hunting.

---

As a reminder, since France has been placed at a high level with regard to the epizootic risk of HPAI since October 22, biosecurity measures must be strictly respected throughout the department and primarily the sheltering, confinement or netting of poultry or captive birds, including backyard flocks.

The public is reminded that if a sick or dead wild bird is found, it is imperative not to touch the animal. Protective measures are essential to prevent the risk of human contamination. Bird carcasses must be reported to the town hall, which will arrange for their collection. Dying birds must be reported to the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB).
...

https://www.loiret.gouv.fr/Actions-d...ique-de-presse

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In the region ,Marl

Cranes at Lake Der are dying in droves: "This is the first outbreak of avian flu of this magnitude."

As common cranes begin their winter migration, they arrive by the thousands on the shores of Europe's largest artificial lake, in Champagne. This year, it's a massacre.

By Marie Blanchardon
October 29 , 2025 at 5:42 PM

The iconic bird of Lake Der is not having a good time. Since the beginning of October, common cranes have been arriving by the thousands at the shores of Europe's largest artificial lake . What this fascinating spectacle doesn't reveal is that they are carrying with them the avian flu virus, which is spreading across Europe . A tragedy for this natural area where these thousands of wading birds find refuge each autumn on their migration route.

At the foot of the dikes, on the roads, and in the surrounding fields, the carcasses are piling up… Every day, agents from the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), equipped with masks and gloves, collect these lifeless cranes. Nearly 5,000 deaths have already been recorded around Lake Der. This number is likely to increase daily, as the situation is considered unprecedented in the region.

“This is the first time we’ve had to manage an avian flu outbreak of this magnitude. And only a third of the migration has taken place; we’re still expecting tens of thousands of cranes at Der. The only thing to wait for is the peak of the epidemic. We can’t provide them with care. Once they’re infected, we’re unfortunately just spectators,” laments Étienne Clément, president of the LPO Champagne Ardenne.

It is impossible to administer the vaccine to wild birds

A vaccine against avian influenza has indeed existed for two years. However, it cannot be administered to wild cranes, unlike farmed birds. While awaiting the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds), the OFB (French Office for Biodiversity) and local authorities are continuing to raise public awareness. A dedicated phone number has been set up by the OFB to provide information and report sightings of sick wading birds (0 326 738 268).

“We receive many phone calls about dying cranes, but it’s crucial not to approach them. You must not handle a dead or sick animal. Only OFB agents are authorized to do this,” reminds Étienne Clément. Local communities are starting to organize. Some are setting up carcass collection points, like Montier-en-Der and Saint-Dizier (Haute-Marne).

Once a certain number of animals are recovered, a rendering company takes over the carcasses. Beyond the health and safety aspects and best practices, a great wave of emotion sweeps across the Lac du Der region. Every autumn, thousands of ornithologists and novice tourists flock there to observe the flight of this majestic bird with its slate-gray plumage.

“It’s very special this year, we’re in a morbid atmosphere. Usually, we look forward to the crane, it’s a celebration to see them all arrive. I’m anxiously awaiting the next waves of migration. We are so powerless in the face of the spread of this virus,” confirms Étienne Clément.

For the time being, the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds) is maintaining its organized activities related to crane migration. Observations of crane take-off and landing are still available for groups and individuals. Meanwhile, the Marne prefecture has not announced any specific restrictions or prohibitions on visiting Lake Der, but indicated this Thursday, October 30th, that a first outbreak of avian influenza has been detected in a chicken farm in Droyes (Haute-Marne), less than 3 km from Lake Der. Due to the virus, 4,000 chickens have died or been culled. The Marne prefecture has established regulated protection zones encompassing about ten surrounding municipalities. Within these zones, the movement of poultry is prohibited.

Nationwide, more than 100,000 poultry have already been culled. And in Germany, more than half a million birds have been culled in an attempt to contain the spread of avian flu.

https://www.leparisien.fr/marne-51/les-grues-du-lac-du-der-meurent-a-la-pelle-cest-le-premier-episode-de-grippe-aviaire-de-cette-ampleur-29-10-2025-TYKKJAGPA5F6XBG3E7H3FQ6QVA.php

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Mass die-off among Common Cranes.

October 30, 2025


We are currently witnessing a massive mortality of Common Cranes infected with avian influenza along the entire Western European migration route. The first sick cranes in France were reported over the weekend of October 18th/19th in the northeast during a migration wave that affected 80,000 cranes. All French stopover sites are now experiencing mortality, except perhaps in the Camargue. In the wet Champagne region, counts at roosting sites have identified at least 8,700 dead cranes as of October 31st. This is a minimum; dead cranes at feeding sites are not included in the count.

The incubation period appears to be short and mortality rapid.

If you discover a dead or sick crane or other birds at risk (birds of prey, waterfowl), do not handle it, contact the departmental services of the French Office for Biodiversity:

Ardennes:sd08@ofb.gouv.fr/ 06-58-56-16-33
Dawn:sd10@ofb.gouv.fr/ 03-25-49-80-10
Marne:sd51@ofb.gouv.fr/ 03-26-70-87-08
Haute-Marne:sd52@ofb.gouv.fr/ 03-52-18-02-10

Observers who frequent wetlands and cultivated areas where cranes are stationed must be vigilant regarding the risk of virus transmission. It is important to change your field shoes before getting back into your vehicles and to clean/disinfect the soles upon returning home and before storing them. If you are going to visit several different locations consecutively, be sure to disinfect the soles between each site.

https://champagne-ardenne.lpo.fr/lpo...-au-lac-du-der

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/https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantal_(d%C3%A9partement)
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): First Cases Detected in Wildlife in Cantal

Updated on 01/11/2025




The first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) were confirmed today, Friday, October 31, 2025, in wild birds (common cranes) in the municipalities of Sainte-Marie and Les Ternes.

Poultry farmers in these municipalities, as well as those in Neuvéglise-sur-Truyère, Espinasse, Lieutades, Tanavelle, Villedieu, Cussac and Paulhenc, have been informed of this situation, asking them to increase their vigilance and insisting on strict compliance with biosecurity measures, already in force due to the high risk level of HPAI in the metropolitan area.

In general, and in order to limit the spread of the virus which can have significant economic consequences, all professionals in the poultry sector and individuals are reminded to strictly respect safety measures (and in particular sheltering) throughout the department and to remain strictly vigilant.

It is imperative to follow these instructions:

• Do not handle dead or dying birds.
• to shelter poultry of all kinds,
• Monitor the birds daily and, if necessary, report any abnormal behavior or signs of illness to a veterinarian without delay.
• Report the presence of dead or sick wild birds to the French Office for Biodiversity (04 71 64 95 58), to the Departmental Hunting Federation (04 71 48 62 66) or to the DDETSPP (04 63 27 31 80 during working hours or 07 86 43 28 31 in the evenings and on weekends).

...

https://www.cantal.gouv.fr/Actualites/Espace-presse/2025/Octobre/INFLUENZA-AVIAIRE-HAUTEMENT-PATHOGENE-IAHP-PREMIERS-CAS-DETECTES-EN-FAUNE-SAUVAGE-DANS-LE-CANTAL

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Location of Var in France
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Var_(department)
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Image translated by Google

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5:05 AM · Nov 3, 2025

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/6672

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Up to 10,000 dead cranes, Haute-Marne on maximum alert

Frédéric Thévenin
November 4, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Montier-En-Der

Avian flu is devastating, with 7,000 to 10,000 cranes already dead. While the migration is only a third of the way through, strict protective measures are being taken to prevent its spread. Prefect Régine Pam's stated goal is to "weather the storm." Fifty municipalities are under close surveillance.

The outbreak of avian influenza, which is killing cranes and poultry, is so severe that it warrants a press conference at the prefecture. At its head, Prefect Régine Pam speaks of a major issue, especially since the Der is a wintering area for the common crane.

The scale of the phenomenon is illustrated by a few figures: initially, five carcasses were found in the Marne River, and now, between 7,000 and 10,000 birds have been found dead. The concern is all the greater because only 36,000 cranes are present at the Der site, while more than 100,000 are expected; hence the strict measures enacted by the prefecture. Vincent Montibert, head of the French Office for Biodiversity, emphasizes: "Only a third of the migration has taken place. The migration phase continues, with birds coming from the Netherlands or Germany to cross the Loire River and reach the Landes region. If it gets colder, the migration will intensify."

For Régine Pam, "it is therefore important to anticipate the epizootic," while emphasizing that crane mortality has never been so high. The bird's gregarious nature is devastating. A few swans and a gull have also been affected.
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https://jhm.fr/jusqua-10-000-grues-mortes-la-haute-marne-en-alerte-maximale/

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Location of Aube in France
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aube
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A first case of avian flu in a common crane in the Aude region

Published on 05/11/2025.

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in a common crane in Villasavary. The government is urging vigilance and reminding the public of the precautions to take to prevent the spread of the virus.

State services confirmed on Wednesday, November 5, a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a common crane discovered in Villasavary, in the Aude department. This is, to date, the only infected wild bird recorded in the department. This confirmation comes as an HPAI epizootic has been spreading since October 18, 2025, along the common crane migration corridor from northeastern to southwestern France.

Migrations that spread the virus
The autumn migrations of these large birds, which will continue until the end of November, facilitate the spread of the virus. Other wild species may also be affected. Faced with this risk, the authorities are reminding the public of the proper precautions to take to protect wildlife and livestock.

If you find a sick or dead wild bird, it is imperative not to touch it and to immediately inform the departmental service of the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB, 04 68 24 60 49).

Since October 22nd, France has been placed at a “high” risk level for avian influenza. Biosecurity measures must therefore be strictly applied by professionals and individuals: sheltering or confining poultry and captive birds, and protecting food and water supplies to prevent any contamination from wild birds.

https://www.echo-languedoc.fr/un-premier-cas-de-grippe-aviaire-sur-une-grue-cendree-dans-laude/

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Location of Creuse in France
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Bird flu: two first cases identified in Creuse, analyses underway on other birds found dead

The Creuse region is not escaping the avian flu epidemic: the first two cases were identified a few days ago on common cranes found dead in Saint-Chabrais and Saint-Pierre-Bellevue.

Published on November 5, 2025 at 10:54 AM

The prefecture of Creuse has just announced this Wednesday morning that two cases of avian influenza - or highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) - were identified on October 31 in common cranes found dead in Saint-Chabrais and Saint-Pierre-Bellevue, in the east-central and south-western parts of the department.

This virus, which is actively circulating in Europe via migratory birds, is particularly contagious and pathogenic to birds.

Suspicion of other cases

The prefecture specifies that several suspicions concerning dead birds, particularly in the areas of Lussat (municipality where the Landes pond is located) and Soumans, are currently being analyzed.

Several preventative measures should be followed: "It is important to remember that, to prevent the spread of the virus to other birds, it is specifically requested not to approach or feed wild birds. The general public should avoid frequenting wetlands (edges of ponds, pools and rivers) where wild birds congregate, even in their absence, due to the possible presence of the virus in droppings and contaminated soil."

Any death of wild birds without an obvious cause can be reported to: the French Office for Biodiversity at 05.55.52.24.81; the Departmental Federation of Hunters at 05.55.52.17.31; the Veterinary Service of the DDETSPP at 05.55.41.72.26

https://www.lamontagne.fr/saint-chabrais-23130/actualites/grippe-aviaire-deux-premiers-cas-ont-ete-identifies-en-creuse_14776880/

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Dordogne
Bird flu: three common cranes found dead in Dordogne, poultry gatherings banned

Charlotte Jousserand
Published onWednesday, November 5, 2025 at 11:20 AM

The Dordogne region is no longer spared from outbreaks of avian influenza in its wildlife . The Dordogne prefecture announced on Wednesday, November 5th, that three common cranes were found dead in the department due to avian influenza. The species is currently migrating, and the carcasses of infected common cranes have already been discovered in neighboring departments such as Gironde.

Do not touch a sick or dead bird

The first common crane found dead in the Dordogne region due to avian flu was discovered on Friday, October 31st. According to our information, the three birds were found in different locations.

The prefecture reminds the public that if you discover a sick or dead bird, "you must not touch the animal, and you must notify the departmental service of the OFB (French Office for Biodiversity) or the departmental federation of Hunters, as well as the town hall if the animal is dead" .

Poultry gatherings are prohibited.

To avoid outbreaks of contamination in farms, the Dordogne prefecture insists that poultry gatherings are now prohibited until November 20th .

Dordogne, like all French departments, has moved to a high risk of avian flu and poultry must be confined in farms and in private homes.

https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/agriculture-peche/grippe-aviaire-trois-grues-cendrees-retrouvees-mortes-en-dordogne-les-rassemblements-de-volailles-interdits-8719470

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Bird flu: Amnéville Zoo carries out mass vaccinations

Written by
Stiliana Peev
Published on
06/11/2025 at 06:05

Veterinarians at the Amnéville Zoo (Moselle) are currently vaccinating 83 species and nearly 400 birds. The vaccination campaign, which began on November 4th, will continue for two more days.

This is a risky period for migratory birds. And the presence of avian flu is a scourge for poultry farmers , but also for the Amnéville Zoo (Moselle). Every year, to protect its birds, the staff administers a dose of vaccine to most species. The vaccination campaign began on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Common cranes, ostriches, pelicans – 83 different species and nearly 400 birds will be vaccinated over four days at the Amnéville Zoo. Three veterinarians and a large number of zookeepers are involved.

"It is wild birds that can bring the virus from hundreds of kilometers away and contaminate our birds. At least once a year, or even twice for some species, we vaccinate 75% of our birds, the most threatened, those that live in contact with wild animals such as flamingos, pelicans, ostriches and also all show birds ," explains Alexis Maillot, veterinarian and zoological director.

Vaccination in zoos has existed for 20 years. For many birds, confinement is not possible because it harms their health and puts them at risk of contracting a disease.

450 dead common cranes at the Lachaussée pond

Less than 50 kilometers from the Amnéville Zoo, at the Lachaussée pond in the Meuse region, avian flu is decimating populations of common cranes. These birds migrate from the Baltic countries to Spain.

"Between 450 and 500 birds have been found dead in the last ten days. It is almost exclusively cranes, we cannot know why this year it is the cranes that are affected. It is a flu virus that mutates and evolves from year to year. Three years ago, it was the swans that were affected ," explains Daniel Grosjean, deputy departmental director of employment, labor, solidarity and protection of persons of the Meuse.

To store dead birds before the services arrive, a rendering container has been installed on the edge of the Lachausée pond.

"Walks are only allowed on designated paths. The goal is to prevent the disease from spreading to professional farms or backyard flocks ," explains Daniel Grosjean, who is also a veterinarian by training.

Lachausée Pond, a nature reserve

The Lachaussée pond is currently empty. This allows the birds to stop and rest before heading south to Spain. This concentration increases the rate of infection between individuals. Fabrice André, a guide and photographer, lives on the edge of the pond.

This morning again, I saw birds dying
Fabrice André, naturalist guide

"There are about 4,000 cranes that stay every year at the Lachaussée pond and in the private ponds around it. Once infected, some birds take three days to die. The virus attacks the nervous system, they get dizzy and they drown in the mud ," explains the naturalist.

Currently, the Meuse department is implementing a prefectural decree to try to limit the spread of the virus. Until November 20, 2025, aquatic activities, fishing, and waterfowl hunting are prohibited, including at Lake Madine .

https://france3-regions.franceinfo.fr/grand-est/moselle/metz/grippe-aviaire-le-zoo-d-amneville-vaccine-en-masse-3244867.html

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HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI): NEW CASES CONFIRMED IN WILDLIFE

Updated on 07/11/2025

Since October 31, 2025, 4 cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild fauna have been observed in the department of Cantal, in the municipalities of Sainte-Marie and Les Ternes.

By prefectoral decree, a regulated zone has been established concerning the following municipalities:

Saint Mary	The Ternes	Neuvéglise-sur-Truyère	Espinasse	Paulhenc
Lieutades	Tanavelle	Villedieu	Cussac

The following measures apply within this regulated zone:

• Enhanced monitoring of wild birds;
• collection of wild bird carcasses by municipal services, in conjunction with the French Office for Biodiversity and the Departmental Hunting Federation;
• census of all bird detention sites;
• Enhanced biosecurity in livestock farming.

The public is reminded that if a sick or dead bird is found, it is imperative not to touch the animal: the departmental service of the French Office of Biodiversity or the Departmental Federation of Hunters should be notified and, if the animal is dead, the town hall should be contacted which will then proceed with the collection of the animal.

Useful contacts:
- French Office for Biodiversity: 04 71 64 95 58,
- Departmental Hunting Federation: 04 71 48 62 66,
- DDETSPP: 04 63 27 31 80 (on-call: 07 86 43 28 31),

https://www.cantal.gouv.fr/Actualites/Espace-presse/2025/Novembre/INFLUENZA-AVIAIRE-NOUVEAUX-CAS-CONFIRMES-SUR-DE-LA-FAUNE-SAUVAGE

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Fishermen of Der: "Tell us why we're being sidelined..."

Pierre-Julien Prieur
November 9, 2025
November 8, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Lake Der

Around 80 fishermen from Lake Der gathered in Giffaumont on Saturday, November 8th, to try to understand why they are no longer allowed to fish. Since Monday, November 3rd, a prefectural decree has prohibited them from practicing their activity due to the avian flu epidemic.

“We’re the only ones who’ve had restrictions imposed on us, the fishermen…” On Saturday, November 8, around 80 people gathered in front of the Ufappma offices at Lac du Der, in the port of Giffaumont-Champaubert. They weren’t there to protest the ban, which they were respecting, but to try to get some answers. “We want to know why we’re being sidelined,” explained Régis Da Costa, in charge of organizing events at Ufappma , who initiated the protest.

"We've all seen people getting close to the birds during school holidays or the crane festival. Some were taking selfies less than a meter away from the cranes. And once all that's over, we get attacked."
Régis Da Costa
Member of the Ufappma of Lac du Der

Due to the avian flu epidemic, fishing was indeed prohibited by prefectural decree on Lake Der, first on the Marne side and then 24 hours later on the Haute-Marne side, to prevent fishermen from further spreading the virus and creating new outbreaks of infection.

“We were presented with a fait accompli, without any explanation. And when we started talking about this movement, things started to move,” notes Régis Da Costa. “We were told that the virus takes longer to disappear in wetlands. Fine, but then explain to me why, since yesterday (Friday, Ed.), they’ve opened the floodgates to release water into the Marne! Why do that if the water is contaminated?”

Bicycles, telescopes and hunting rifles…
The fishermen are also puzzled by the timing. "We all saw people getting close to the birds during the school holidays or the crane festival. Some were taking selfies less than a meter away from the cranes. And once all that's over, we get attacked. And it goes on until November 20th, the opening day of the Montier festival..."

On Saturday, November 8th, while fishermen were wondering about the reasons for these prefectural decrees, a group of cyclists stopped just a few meters away. Walkers equipped with binoculars strolled by, wondering about the gathering. In the distance, hunters' bullets cracked in the surrounding forests. "Hunters have guidelines in case of avian flu, to clean their equipment, their boots... Why not us? In 2022, during the last epidemic, we had hygiene instructions to follow. Why aren't we doing that again?"

"When you leave the seat empty, you pay for it."
Jean-Pierre Calabrèse, mayor of Giffaumont-Champaubert and also a fisherman, has his own theory. "The president of the FNSEA Grand Est (the regional farmers' union) asked the regional prefecture to ban everything. There was a meeting at the prefecture with all the stakeholders, except the fishermen. The hunters got some concessions because they were there. But the Marne Hunting Federation didn't show up. When you leave the seat empty, you pay the price."

But he still wanted to reassure the fishermen. "There is some good news, though. The disease is in sharp decline. We've found ten times fewer dead cranes in recent days than a week ago. I'm not saying it won't start up again with the arrival of new cranes, but the population is developing immunity."

While anglers have put their passion on hold until November 20th, they hope the ban won't be extended beyond that date. "We're enduring it, we're respecting it, but we won't give in. We're not just fishing licenses, we're human beings, and we know how to manage the aquatic environment. We're going to fight back and we're going to show our teeth!" concluded Régis Da Costa, organizer of the recent Carna'Der.

P.-JP

https://jhm.fr/pecheurs-du-der-pourquoi-on-nous-met-sur-la-touche/