Spain has imposed a nationwide lockdown on all poultry farms to curb the spread of avian flu, expanding earlier restrictions that applied only to designated high-risk zones. The Ministry of Agriculture announced the move on Thursday, citing an increased risk of the virus entering the country.
Last week’s measures had required poultry in about 1,200 municipalities to be kept indoors. The decision comes amid a surge in bird flu cases across Europe — 139 reported since July, including 14 in Spain, half of them in Castilla y León.
Avian flu, caused by the influenza A virus, primarily affects birds but can also infect mammals, including humans, through prolonged close contact. Human symptoms range from mild fever and cough to severe illness. Spain previously recorded two human infections among farm workers in 2022.
The ministry noted a sharp rise in recent outbreaks among poultry and wild birds in central and northern Europe, regions from which many migratory birds head to Spain for the winter. Officials warned of a “clear risk of contagion” from wild birds to open-air farms.
Under the new order, all farms — including organic and small-scale operations — must keep birds indoors and avoid contact with migratory species. The measure bans mixing ducks or geese with other poultry, using untreated surface water, and holding bird fairs or exhibitions.
Open-air rearing is prohibited unless farms meet strict conditions, such as installing protective netting or aviary fabric to prevent wild bird access. Poultry must also be fed indoors or in sheltered areas to minimize any chance of contact with contaminated food or water.
