Hundreds of thousands of ducks are to be culled in three areas of France following a severe outbreak of bird flu, the French Agricultural Ministry said.

The measure will cover all free range ducks, plus geese, in the Gers, Landes and Hautes-Pyrenees areas.

It will begin on Thursday and could continue for more than two weeks.

The areas affected are in southwestern France, where most foie gras - made from duck and goose liver - is produced.

Farms which confine their birds and run a full production cycle - from ducklings to end products - will be exempt from the cull.

Source: MENA