Spain imposes confinement on all free-range poultry farms due to bird flu

The Spanish agriculture, fisheries, and food ministry has ordered free-range poultry farms to confine their birds due to the rise in bird flu cases, as published in Spain's Official Gazette on Thursday.

The decision is a "preventive measure" to address the rise in cases recorded in recent weeks, with the ministry highlighting that the disease is "highly contagious."

The confinement order applies to all agricultural farms, as well as birds kept for personal consumption, and those that sell meat or eggs directly to consumers. Since July, there have been 14 outbreaks in Spain, most of them in Castilla y León, as well as 53 wild birds and 5 in captivity testing positive. In Europe, there have been 139 outbreaks.

If the poultry cannot be fully confined, authorities will allow owners to set up outdoor enclosures that prevent external animals or elements from accessing the premises.

The ministry said that risk has increased as fall is a period for bird migration, and the drop in temperatures also facilitates the virus's survival.

Since Monday, the ministry had already imposed confinement in 1,201 municipalities across Spain that were considered high-risk.

"In Spain, it has been proven that there are a lot of birds migrating in humid areas," a statement reads. "The measure tries to avoid that poultry can be in contact with migrating birds that carry the virus," it continues.

Catalonia

The Catalan agriculture department said in a statement that the measure had only applied to certain areas in Catalonia until now – along common migratory bird routes, including the Ebre Delta, the Empordà marshes, and the wetlands of Lleida and Tarragona. Previously affecting 223 municipalities, the measure will now be extended to all municipalities in Catalonia.

The Spanish government order also prohibits the raising of ducks and geese, as well as other poultry species; providing water to domestic birds from sources accessible to wild animals, unless it has been treated to disinfect against possible virus presence; and the gathering of domestic or captive birds, including in fairs, exhibitions, shows, and cultural events.

The department noted that "permission may be granted to keep domestic birds outdoors if contact with wild birds can be effectively prevented using some type of enclosure or device."

Poultry farmers who wish to do so can apply to their county agriculture office for permission to allow their domestic birds access outdoors, provided they meet certain requirements.

Authorities issue call

In this high-risk context for bird flu, the agriculture department said it was "essential" to strengthen biosecurity measures on poultry farms and has asked owners to inform the relevant local office if there is any mortality, abnormality, or suspected signs of disease in their flock.

The department has issued a new call for anyone keeping unregistered domestic birds to register them, and notes that flocks raised exclusively for personal or family consumption must not exceed 30 egg-laying hens or 50 chickens.