France Records Heavy Poultry Losses as Heatwave Intensifies

France is facing significant poultry losses as an intense heatwave continues to affect large parts of Western Europe, placing additional pressure on farmers and livestock services.

Agricultural organisations say hundreds of thousands of birds have died due to extreme temperatures, with both indoor and outdoor poultry farms affected. The high number of deaths has overwhelmed carcass collection services, prompting authorities to consider allowing on-farm burial of dead birds in the country's two largest poultry-producing regions.

France recorded temperatures of more than 44 degrees Celsius this week, with forecasts indicating the heat could continue. Poultry industry officials said the full extent of the losses is still being assessed, while farmers have been advised to take temporary measures to reduce environmental risks until disposal arrangements are made.

The heatwave has also disrupted farming activities across Western Europe, as authorities work to manage the impact of the extreme weather on agriculture and livestock production.