The Spanish government confines poultry in 14 municipalities in the Balearic Islands to prevent the spread of avian flu.

PalmThe Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced that it will implement additional reinforcement measures starting next Monday to prevent the spread of the avian influenza virus, following this week's confirmation of an increased risk due to the proliferation of cases in Europe (especially in wild birds), migratory movements, and the drop in temperature. Specifically, the measures include the confinement of poultry in areas considered to be of special risk and under surveillance, a total of 1,199 municipalities located in Andalusia (197), Aragon (128), the Canary Islands (1), Cantabria (31), Mana (31), Castile and León (224), the Community of Madrid (16), the Valencian Community (138), Extremadura (99), Galicia (40), the Balearic Islands (14), La Rioja (6), Navarre (12), the Basque Country (6), the Principality of Asturias (8), and the Region of Murcia (11). The department headed by Luis Planas, in agreement with the autonomous communities, has activated all the protective measures against avian influenza stipulated in Order APA/2442/2006, of July 27. These prohibitions and obligations in areas of special risk and special surveillance include the prohibition of using birds of the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, or raising ducks and geese with other poultry. Raising poultry outdoors is also prohibited. However, the Ministry of Agriculture clarified that when this is not possible, the competent authority may authorize keeping poultry outdoors by installing netting or any other device that prevents the entry of wild birds. In this case, the birds must be fed and watered inside the facilities or in a shelter that prevents wild birds from entering and avoids contact between wild birds and the food and water intended for the poultry. Furthermore, it is also prohibited to give poultry water from containers accessible to wild birds, except if the water is treated to ensure the inactivation of any avian influenza viruses. Thus, outdoor water containers required for the welfare of certain poultry will be sufficiently protected against wild waterfowl. The presence of poultry or other captive birds is also prohibited at animal gathering centers, including livestock shows, exhibitions, displays, and cultural events, as well as any gathering of poultry or other captive birds. For the rest of the country, the Ministry of Agriculture has reiterated the need to intensify biosecurity measures on poultry farms, especially those aimed at preventing contact with wild birds, as well as to strengthen passive surveillance and report any suspected cases of disease to official veterinary services as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Ministry has reminded the public that the autonomous communities are responsible for animal health and can therefore determine other complementary measures to strengthen protection against this disease in their regions and thus prevent its spread.