Avian influenza in two vaccinated duck flocks in France
Two duck farms in Noyal-Muzillac (Morbihan) have been confirmed as infected with the avian influenza virus. The flocks are currently vaccinated against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The virus was detected on October 25, resulting in the culling of 37,500 ducks. The diagnosis was made as part of routine surveillance, with no clinical signs observed. On October 23, the first case of bird flu was reported in the Moréac region (Morbihan), affecting a flock of commercial laying hens comprising 27,500 birds.
The implications of this data are as follows:
1. The administration of HPAI vaccines in France does not appear to completely prevent infection.
2. The use of HPAI vaccines in ducks in France does not prevent the identification of infected flocks.
3. The vaccines are effective in preventing the clinical manifestations of the disease, suggesting that these flocks, even if infected, are likely to secrete and spread less virus compared to unvaccinated flocks.
