Avian influenza viruses have been circulating internationally for several years, primarily among wild birds and domestic poultry. These viruses can occasionally be transmitted to humans, a condition known as avian influenza. In recent years, several hundred cases have been reported worldwide, but none have been identified in France to date. Furthermore, no cases of human-to-human transmission have been observed anywhere in the world.

Reassessment of the human health risk analysis

Currently, avian influenza viruses are actively circulating internationally and in Europe. The number of HPAI outbreaks in poultry farms is rising rapidly in France (more than 60 farms affected as of November 27) and in neighboring countries. It is at levels higher than those observed during the same period in the two previous years. Migratory birds pose a significant risk of spreading the virus. Furthermore, these viruses can also infect mammals.

In France, four foxes and one otter were recently found to be infected. Due to the intense circulation of HPAI viruses in France and among several animal species

, the risk of human exposure is increasing. This is why Santé publique France, ANSES, and the Pasteur Institute have conducted a health risk analysis. The results indicate that the risk level is estimated to be “low” for the general population and “low to moderate” for those most at risk, particularly people working in poultry farms.

• Download the risk analysis

• Download "Update on: Active Surveillance of Persons Exposed to a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak (SAGA): Results of the Pilot Study Conducted from 2023 to 2025 and Outlook for 2025–2026"

Prevention measures on farms

The HPAI risk level for poultry farms was raised to its highest level on October 22, allowing for the enforcement of enhanced biosecurity measures on farms, such as housing poultry indoors. Additional measures have been implemented in the departments currently most affected (Vendée, Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, and Deux-Sèvres) to limit the spread of the virus within duck and turkey farms.

Introduced in October 2023, mandatory vaccination in France for farms with more than 250 ducks aims to reduce the number of HPAI outbreaks on duck farms, as well as help limit viral pressure and thereby reduce the number of outbreaks in other poultry species.

Close monitoring of the health status of animals on farms aims to detect the disease as early as possible and take appropriate management measures.

Preventing HPAI outbreaks on farms limits the risk of the virus spreading to the general population.

Strengthening human health surveillance

At the same time, health authorities and the Ministry of Agriculture are expanding active surveillance for avian influenza (SAGA) to the entire country among people exposed to the virus in order to confirm potential human cases early and implement appropriate management measures.

At the same time, as a precautionary measure, all healthcare professionals have been trained to quickly detect any human cases.

Reminders on how to proceed

For professionals exposed to animals or an environment contaminated with an avian influenza virus, it is essential to protect themselves by wearing protective clothing, a respiratory mask, goggles or a face shield, and waterproof gloves, and to wash their hands after contact.

If symptoms appear, even mild ones (fever, headache, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, or conjunctivitis), within 10 days of exposure, it is recommended that you:

• ​​​​Contact a doctor immediately, specifying that you have been in contact with infected or suspected animals, so that the doctor can order a flu PCR test;

• While awaiting results, follow preventive measures—namely wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, regular ventilation, and surface disinfection—to prevent further human infections or contaminating your environment.

Seasonal flu vaccination for professionals exposed to animals is strongly recommended and covered by health insurance.

This vaccination protects professionals against the seasonal flu virus.

Thus, in the event of exposure to an avian virus, the risk of co-infection is limited, which helps reduce the risk of the emergence of a new influenza virus of avian origin that has acquired characteristics from the seasonal virus facilitating human infection or human-to-human transmission.

This year, in addition to professionals in the poultry and swine sectors, veterinarians, agents from the departmental public health offices who visit farms, and individuals working within the SAGIR network (wildlife disease surveillance) are encouraged to get vaccinated. The Health Insurance Fund and the Agricultural Social Mutual Fund (MSA) are responsible for sending vaccination vouchers to all of these professionals.

As a reminder, the public is strongly advised not to touch dead or sick wild animals.

While the national and international situation requires vigilance, we can reduce the risk of human infection. To do so, protective measures must also be followed by everyone likely to come into close contact with infected birds and mammals.

For more information:

• What to do in case of exposure to risk and the onset of symptoms

• Avian Influenza Fact Sheet

• Everything you need to know about avian influenza

• Avian Influenza: Current Health Risks for Animals and Humans