France Faces Fallout Over Reduced Support for Avian Influenza Vaccine Campaign

French poultry and egg industry representatives are expressing fierce opposition to the agriculture minister’s recent announcement, stating that the State will cut its financial contribution to the avian influenza vaccination campaign from 70% to 40%.

Shifting Responsibilities

The Ministry of Agriculture will also cease its purchase of vaccines, shifting this responsibility onto sector organizations and farmers themselves. This decision, communicated without prior consultation, has ignited concerns across various agricultural communities.

Industry Concerns

Organizations representing poultry, egg producers, and hunting communities have issued a joint statement expressing their alarm. They indicate that this major financial cut could lead some farmers to reject the vaccination initiative, thereby jeopardizing the campaign’s success and increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases.

“The collective acceptance of the campaign ensures its efficiency,” they stated. “Maintaining a 70% contribution from the state is crucial to prevent the culling of thousands of birds, which incurs considerable costs to the government in farmer compensation.”

The Financial Stakes

During past outbreaks, the financial burden of avian influenza management surpassed €1 billion in France. The industry highlights successful vaccination strategies in countries like the United States and Hungary as evidence that a robust campaign is essential to preventing a health catastrophe.

Achievements and Challenges

In 2023, France made headlines as the first major poultry producer to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign against highly pathogenic avian influenza, following several devastating outbreaks that saw millions of birds culled.

“France’s vaccination policy has paid off,” said Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard during a parliamentary session. “We have regained our status as a bird flu-free country, with the risk level now at moderate and restrictions being lifted.”

Budget Constraints

Despite these achievements, Genevard announced the funding cut for the upcoming 2025/26 season due to significant budget constraints affecting the French government. While the department has confirmed these cuts to agricultural organizations and press outlets, no official announcement has yet been made.