Avian flu: a slew of exemptions for hunting endangered waterfowl
In the regions of Manche, Nord, Loire-Atlantique and Vendée, hunters have once again imposed their will. Despite a major avian flu epidemic currently raging, many prefects, who had banned waterfowl hunting for obvious health reasons, have reversed their decision. Under pressure from the hunting lobby, these bans have been lifted in the name of a supposed “consensus”, paving the way for the slaughter of animals already severely weakened by the disease. One Voice condemns these massacres and alerts public opinion to the significant health risks they pose.
Despite warnings, the hunting of endangered birds continues…
A few months ago, we appealed to the Council of State to suspend the hunting of endangered birds. While the scientific community is sounding the alarm about the very poor conservation status of the species concerned and the biodiversity slowly collapsing, the court rejected our request. In 2025, tens of thousands of pintails, shovelers, wigeons, redwings, corncrakes, teals, pochards and tufted ducks will be slaughtered in the name of a deadly pastime.
These repeated killings are all the more cruel because they rely on the use of “decoy” birds. Raised in captivity, they are exploited as live bait, tied up and deprived of their freedom of movement. The aim is simple for hunters: to make killing easier by tying them down on the water to attract their migrating counterparts.
… and in all circumstances
These animals, which are targeted for much of the year, could have been given a little respite as they face the avian flu epidemic which is already threatening their survival. We have already sounded the alarm about the consequences of hunting during this period and the risks of spreading the disease. Today, a major setback is occurring: new authorisations are being granted as a favour to trigger-happy fanatics.
In the Manche region, waterfowl hunting had been banned due to the epidemic. However, this did not take into account the hunting federations, who were prepared to do anything to allow their members to continue their hobby, despite the health risks… The prefecture gave in by reauthorising hunting in the epidemic surveillance zone. This phenomenon is being repeated in several other regions: Nord, Loire-Atlantique and Vendée… This is senseless for these birds, already weakened by disease, climate change and massive urbanisation.
Hunters placed on a pedestal
Hunting is permitted in wetlands and sensitive areas, but at what cost? This situation illustrates once again the preferential treatment given to hunters, who are systematically listened to and heard, with disregard for wild animals and pets, humans and nature, but also for the rules of common sense.
The parallel with the management of other diseases is striking. Alongside avian flu, bovine nodular dermatosis, for example, has led to the mass slaughter of many cows in recent weeks to contain the spread of the virus. On the one hand, farm animals are sacrificed without hesitation; on the other, demands from hunters continue to be accommodated. And in the middle are the animals, who continue to be the victims of the government’s inconsistent choices. Why is the suspension of activities not being prioritised? Hunting, which increases the risk of flu transmission, is clearly the least appropriate solution to a health crisis of this magnitude.
One Voice condemns these methods which are increasingly contemptuous of animals, and has written to the prefects of Loire-Atlantique, Nord, Manche and Vendée. Join us in sharing this article widely, calling on your elected representatives to reject these special privileges and signing our petitions against the hunting of endangered birds and hunting in general.