Restrictive measures ordered in 1,200 municipalities in Spain due to the spread of bird flu

(Photo: Pixabay)

The order from the Ministry of Agriculture affects areas with a high risk of infection, which are mainly concentrated along the main migration corridors of wild birds and along the coast, most notably in Andalusia, Valencia and Catalonia. In the designated municipalities, poultry must be isolated in closed spaces, and where this is not possible, the use of bird nets is required to prevent wild birds from entering. It is prohibited to use water sources that wild birds can also access for drinking, unless they have been treated with a special virucidal process. The ministry also banned the presence of poultry in animal collection stations and at animal exhibitions and shows, unless the competent authority grants a specific permit based on a prior risk analysis. It also recommends strengthening the biosecurity of poultry farms across the country, i.e. hygiene measures, increasing surveillance and prompt notification of suspected diseases.

14 active foci of infection have been detected in Spain since July

Around 2 million poultry have been killed in recent months as a precautionary measure. The Spanish consumer protection association (ASESCON) called for a reduction in VAT on chicken and eggs in a statement on Monday to offset price increases.

MTI