France’s heatwave kills hundreds of thousands of poultry
Authorities consider on-farm burial as extreme temperatures hit poultry and dairy production
FRANCE – France’s poultry industry has suffered the loss of hundreds of thousands of birds as an intense heatwave swept across Western Europe, overwhelming carcass collection services and forcing authorities to consider emergency on-farm burial measures in the country’s two largest poultry-producing regions.
Agricultural organisations said the unprecedented heat has caused widespread poultry deaths across Brittany and Pays de la Loire, which together account for nearly 60% of France’s poultry flock.
According to the French poultry industry association ANVOL, at least several hundred thousand birds have died on both indoor and free-range farms, although the full scale of the losses has yet to be determined.
Farmers have reported mortality rates far above normal levels. Poultry producer Clement Blanchard, who operates a chicken farm in Pays de la Loire, said he lost about 700 birds over several days, compared with the usual one or two birds per day.
Industry groups warned that the volume of dead birds has overwhelmed France’s carcass collection and rendering system, leaving many farms waiting for collection services.
Emergency measures considered as disposal system reaches capacity
The Chambers of Agriculture of Brittany and Pays de la Loire described the poultry losses as “massive” and advised farmers to cover carcasses with sawdust or wood shavings to reduce liquid leakage while awaiting collection.
Authorities are also evaluating the temporary use of on-farm burial, subject to technical and environmental assessments, to manage the growing backlog of dead birds.
The heatwave has affected livestock beyond the poultry sector. Dairy farmers have reported lower milk production as cattle struggle with prolonged high temperatures.
Frederic Vincent, a dairy farmer near Angers with a herd of about 70 cows, said the animals have been gathering around ventilation points in barns while fans operate continuously. He estimated milk production has declined by between 15% and 20% as the cows consume less feed and require more water.
Poultry remains a key protein source in France
France is the European Union’s third-largest poultry producer after Poland and Spain. The country produced approximately 1.7 million tonnes of poultry meat in 2024, accounting for around 12.2% of total EU production and representing a 12.3% increase from the previous year.
Poultry has become France’s most consumed meat, with per capita consumption rising to approximately 31.6kg in 2024, overtaking pork for the first time. Industry analysts attribute the growth to poultry’s affordability, versatility and strong consumer demand for lean protein.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
