Severe bird flu found in north French wild ducks

A severe strain of H5N8 bird flu that hit several countries in Europe, leading to the culling of thousands of poultry, was detected in wild ducks in Northern France.

“A first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 was confirmed on November 26 in the commune of Marck, Pas-de-Calais, on 20 wild ducks used as callers for waterfowl hunting,” said France’s agriculture ministry in a statement.

Local authorities increased surveillance in the area. News agency Reuters reports the latest outbreak has not affected domestic farms.