Health

Keeping their animals healthy is a daily concern for breeders of fat palmipeds. They therefore make every effort to ensure that ducks and geese are raised in the best conditions.

Avian influenza is one of the main threats to the sector. Open air being a fundamental characteristic of the breeding of fat palmipeds, Euro Foie Gras has made the reinforcement of biosecurity measures one of its core objectives in order to prevent and cope with the emergence of new outbreaks both at national and European level.

The European foie gras sector is in favor of the following measures:

  • The construction of indoor housings as well as the use of any other means allowing breeders to shelter their animals in cases of increased risk level during high-risk periods.
  • The implementation of the principle of a waiting period according to the breeding methods and under the responsibility of the Member States.
  • Avoiding direct and indirect contacts of palmipeds with wild birds thanks to several precautionary measures such as the ability to put the feed and water points of the palmipeds inside etc.
  • Presence of an adequately fitted changing room and application of a strict protocol in each production unit.
  • Securing animal movements between farms through the adoption and application of various measures such as the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and containers or the training of personnel in biosecurity measures.
  • Farm access restricted to the farmer as well as to any accredited person who is necessary for the proper monitoring of the farm such as veterinarians.
  • Improved communication and information for farmers about the epizootic situation.
  • Adequate training of the sector’s actors in biosecurity measures.