Bird Flu Alarm in Spain: All Poultry Will Be Kept Closed

Bird Flu Alert in Spain

Following the recent increase in bird flu cases across Europe, Spain is taking strict measures. The Ministry of Agriculture announced that all poultry will be kept indoors in high-risk areas starting from November 10.

Similar cases have also been reported in countries including Ireland, Germany, England, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and France. Ministries in these countries have mobilized to combat bird flu.

Germany Also on Alert

This year, bird flu outbreaks have occurred in 15 out of 27 EU member states, with a total of 688 outbreaks reported. In the same period last year, only 189 cases were encountered. Germany has become the country most affected by the outbreak, accounting for 58 outbreaks since August, and orders have been issued to confine poultry in some states.

Concerns in Ireland

The President of the Irish Farmers' Association National Poultry Committee Nigel Sweetnam stated that the first outbreak has been detected after three years, emphasizing that keeping all poultry indoors has become mandatory. Sweetnam expressed, "The course of bird flu has completely changed. The situation is very, very concerning."

Mass Culling in the Netherlands

France announced that the risk level for poultry farms across the country is "high." Additionally, the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture reported that following an outbreak at a poultry farm last month, 71,000 birds were culled.

A Global Threat

Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Beth Bechdol stated at a forum in Brazil, "Bird flu is no longer a local threat; it is becoming a global issue," highlighting the importance of international cooperation.