The price of diesel falls below 1 euro As oil prices fall globally, a litre of diesel was widely available in December for less than €1 >> Page 6 its lowest price since 2009
Dordogne January 2016 - Issue #31
Bird flu sweeping across the Dordogne France is in the grip of its first outbreak of bird flu since 2007. The virus, which was first discovered on a farm in the north of the Dordogne, has now spread right across southwest France. Although there is currently no danger to humans, restrictions are in place.
W
h e n France’s f i r s t case of bird flu since 2007 was discovered at a Dordogne farm near Biras, the region’s poultry farmers were understandably worried. And with good cause. Since that first outbreak, dozens more have been confirmed across at least six departments, with the Dordogne being one of the worst affected areas. Just before Christmas, 53 outbreaks had been confirmed, 12 of which were in the Dordogne. Only the Landes, with 19 confirmed cases, was worse affected. In response to the growing crisis, the government created a “restriction zone” across eight departments of south-west France: all five of the departments
which make up the Aquitaine region, as well as the neighbouring departments of Haute-Vienne, Gers and Hautes-Pyrénées. Within the zone, the movement of poultry - the most common way for the virus to be spread - is restricted. Authorities are also implementing strict cleaning and disinfection programmes for the premises and equipment of all poultry farms and there are minimum delays between hatchings at breeding farms to halt the progress of the virus. Live animals and fertilised eggs can not be moved outside the restriction zone and the sale of non-plucked poultry is also not permitted outside the zone. Authorities have said that the main identified strain of
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INSIDE > > > NEWS - Famous French Madame dies
Madame Claude, infamous brothel keeper to the rich and famous, has died in Nice aged 92. Her client list was believed to have included JFK. >> Page 10
NEWS - New 20 euro notes enter circulation
The latest note in the new Europa Series has entered circulation. The new currency looks slightly different and has enhanced security features >> Page 10
FRENCH LIFE - The wines of Bergerac
Local author and wine expert, Martin Walker, introduces us to some of his favourite wines, all of which can be found on your doorstep >> Page 14
The Bugle Business Directory
The renowned Champagne producer Taittinger is to start making its bubbly >> Page 6 in the south of England
We all have bad habits. Develop a healthy one that actually saves you money!
3 pages of listings for local English-speaking businesses - your essential guide to finding just what you’re looking for >> Pages 15-17
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