In France, avian flu has been raging for several months. However, at the Ferme En Coton in Auch, breeders have just confined their poultry. After months of being reminded of the law, Nicolas, the manager of this farm, is worried about the impact of confinement on the well-being of his animals.
Arriving at La Ferme En Coton, the welcome is warm. The two managers, Anne-Catherine and Nicolas, accompanied by a tall black-haired Barbet come to meet us. Despite this good reception, a tension can be seen on the face of the couple of breeders. They have been wondering for several weeks how to apply the health protocol while respecting the well-being of their animals.
Since the return of avian flu at the end of 2021, Nicolas has not been in favor of the idea of confining his animals. “It’s contrary to my original philosophy. Since November 4, I had not done it, because I did not want to lock up my poultry”, insists the breeder. He has long criticized the health protocol in place, but he has only been respecting it for a few days.
“We touched the very foundation of my way of raising”
After several reminders from the State, Nicolas is now in good standing. His poultry are following a period of confinement and the enclosures have been divided. But to comply with this application is to risk threatening his entire breeding system: “I suffer from this situation and my poultry suffer from this small confined space, admits Nicolas. I am well aware that I have to participate in the fight against this epizootic and I am doing it, but with this restriction of space, we have touched the very foundation of my way of breeding”.
According to the Gersois, by confining himself, his animals risk many diseases. Nicolas is not against the idea of protecting himself from avian flu, but he would like more local measures to be applied.
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