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

Bird Flu Alarm in Spain

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

Similar cases have also been reported in countries such as Ireland, Germany, England, Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and France. Ministers in these countries have launched measures to combat bird flu.

Germany Has Also Sounded the Alarm

This year, bird flu outbreaks have occurred in 15 out of 27 member countries of the European Union, with a total of 688 outbreaks reported. This figure stands in stark contrast to just 189 cases reported during the same period last year. Since August, Germany has become the country most affected by the outbreak, with 58 outbreaks prompting orders to confine poultry in some states.

The Situation in Ireland is Worrying

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

Mass Culling in the Netherlands

France announced that the risk level for poultry farms nationwide is at "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 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Beth Bechdol stated at a forum held in Brazil, "Bird flu is no longer a local threat; it is becoming a global issue," highlighting the importance of international cooperation.