Dried marshlands in France's Pays de la Loire region led to a botulism outbreak, killing nearly 2,000 birds in 2026.
Hunting resumes in Brière marshes
Hunting has begun in the dried marshlands of the Pays de la Loire region, where water levels have remained low for two consecutive years. The Brière marshes in Loire-Atlantique are experiencing their second year of extreme drought conditions, which have significantly altered the local ecosystem.Drought conditions persist in 2026
The summer of 2026 saw historically low water levels in the Brière marshes, a continuation of the severe drought that also affected the region in 2025. This persistent dryness has led to the exposure of previously submerged areas, changing the habitat for local wildlife.Heatwave intensifies environmental stress
Combined with a heatwave that struck the region in the summer of 2026, the low water levels created ideal conditions for the growth of botulism-causing bacteria. High temperatures and dry conditions are known to increase the risk of such bacterial infections in aquatic environments.Botulism outbreak kills nearly 2,000 birds
A botulism outbreak in the Brière marshes resulted in the deaths of nearly 2,000 birds in 2026, primarily mallards, laughing gulls, spoonbills, and teal. This follows a similar outbreak the previous year, which claimed the lives of approximately 7,000 birds from the same cause.
