The Government orders to confine breeding birds from all farms in the country

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has decreed the confinement, starting this Thursday, of all poultry raised outdoors in Spain, in order to reinforce preventive measures against avian flu due to the increased risk of spread of this disease.

According to the ministerial order published this Thursday in the Official State Gazette (BOE) and in force from this same day, extends to all poultry farmsincluding organic farms and those for self-consumption or those that produce meat or eggs for direct sale to consumers, the prohibition of animals remaining outdoors. This prohibition was already in force since last Monday for areas considered to be of special risk and special surveillance, in total 1,201 municipalities.

The Department headed by Luis Planas has explained that this extension of confinement to all Spanish farms has been decided after the increase in the risk of the disease entering Spain in the last week. To evaluate this risk, factors such as the number of outbreaks reported in Europe, the points where they are located and the movements of wild birds from risk areas on the continent are taken into consideration.

“In Spain, an abundance of migratory birds has been observed in wetland areas, which is common at this time of year. In addition, The drop in temperatures is a factor that facilitates the survival of the virus. “Confinement measures try to avoid contact of poultry with migratory birds that may be carriers of the virus,” the Ministry underlines in a statement.

Since July, there have been notifications 139 bird flu outbreaks in European poultry farms. In Spain there have been 14 outbreaks on farms, half of them in Castilla y León, in addition to 53 in wild birds and 5 in captive birds.

New measures

The order published today also includes the prohibition of breeding ducks and geese with other species of poultry, and the prohibition of giving water to poultry from tanks that can be accessed by wild birds, unless it is treated to ensure the inactivation of possible avian influenza viruses. Likewise, outdoor water tanks required for animal welfare reasons for certain poultry must be sufficiently protected against wild waterfowl.

The Ministry also has prohibited the presence of poultry or other types of birds captives in animal concentration centers, including livestock competitions, shows, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, as well as any concentration of poultry or other types of captive birds.

In cases where the confinement of poultry is not possible, the competent authority of the autonomous communities may authorize their maintenance outdoors by placing bird nets or any other device that prevents the entry of wild birds.

In this case, the birds will have to feed and water inside the facilities or in a shelter that prevents the arrival of wild birds and prevents their contact with food and water intended for free-range birds.