Cost of Christmas foie gras set to rocket

One of France's most popular - and most controversial - Christmas delicacies is set to be much more expensive this year.

Two outbreaks of bird flu in as many years have seen production of foie gras drop nearly 20% on 2016 levels, and 40% on 2015, prompting fears that the cost of a jar of 180 grammes of foie gras will jump €4 compared to last year's prices.

One breeder in the Landes, Thomas Lafargues, told Franceinfo he was forced to cull half his 70,000 ducks this year. All farms in the southwest have had slaughter ducks in a bid to control the spread of the virus.

As a result, Mr Lafargues said, many farms are investing in biosecurity improvements. In the event of any future confirmed outbreak, birds at his farm will be confined to a specially built shelter.

It is estimated that 86% of French people eat foie gras during the festive period.

The disease can be transmitted to humans and other animals through direct contact with infected birds, according to the European Food Safety Authority but there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated food.