France cuts bird flu risk to lowest level

The French government has cut its assessment of bird flu risk to its lowest level, lifting measures to contain the virus, including requiring poultry to be kept indoors, from Wednesday unless local authorities impose restrictions.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a seasonal disease that typically emerges in autumn with migratory birds and recedes in spring.

• The risk level for highly pathogenic bird flu was reduced to "negligible" from "moderate", the agriculture ministry said.

• No nationwide measures remain in place, though local prefects may impose restrictions based on local risk assessments, according to the official journal.

• France lowered its risk assessment to "moderate" from "high" in late April.

-Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide. Editing by Mark Potter/Reuters