Flu Pandemics (Swine flu, Avian flu) in France

Information on the health and risk situation in France with links to government sources of information (in French), the Info Grippe hotline and further English-language links.

Various strains of influenza spread rapidly and can cause concerns of a pandemic. Most recently the A/H1N1 "swine flu" virus has caused concern worldwide; the H5N1 "bird flu" virus has also caused trouble by spreading rapidly through livestock.

Information is always readily available in the media (print news and TV) and from government organisations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) monitors health issues within the United Nations country.

For information from WHO on the swine flu pandemic A/H1N1: Click here

Information for France

France has a dedicated service to address concerns of citizens and residents.

Up-to-date information is available via Info pandémie grippale, a telephone service (in French) open 7 days a week from 08:00-22:00 (0,15 euros per minute).

Info grippe: Tel: 0825 302 302
Website (in French)

Swine flu - A/H1N1 virus

Swine flu vaccinations are available at specialised centres (centre de vaccination) and at the general practitioners.

Avian Influenza - the H5N1 bird flu virus

Comprehensive information (in French) on the symptoms shown by infected birds, animals and humans and measures to be taken in the event of suspected infection; from Ecologie.gouv (PDF in French)

For up-to-date information and advisories in a specific area, it's recommended to contact the local town hall (mairie).

Outbreaks in France affecting animals

In the event of an outbreak of a pandemic affecting livestock, regulations concerning keeping, transporting and selling of live animals is handled at a regional level. For information relevant to each department, contact the local Services Véterinaires (Veterinary Services) for the department concerned.

Contact details can be found through the Préfecture. Click for the websites of:

Local Préfectures

Information in English

WHO, the World Health Organisation, is responsible for coordinating the global response to human cases of avian flu and provides information in English.