Spain has lifted the remaining nationwide confinement measures for poultry following a sustained improvement in the epidemiological situation of avian influenza. The decision removes restrictions previously applied in high-risk areas, including wetlands and municipalities with greater exposure risk.
Despite the easing of restrictions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food stresses that strict biosecurity measures must continue in poultry farms to prevent contact with wild birds. Enhanced passive surveillance also remains in place, with authorities urging immediate reporting of any suspected cases, particularly in domestic poultry.
The country has maintained its status as free from avian influenza for trade purposes since February, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), meaning that no restrictions currently apply to domestic or intra-EU movements of poultry or poultry products.
Preventive measures had been introduced nationwide under high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) risk protocols, including compulsory housing of poultry, biosecurity requirements and restrictions on poultry gatherings. These measures were applied as a precautionary response to elevated risk levels linked to wild bird cases.
Authorities note that the effectiveness of these controls is reflected in the limited impact on commercial farms, with only two poultry holdings affected in recent months despite widespread circulation of the virus in wild birds.
Earlier partial lifting of confinement measures had already taken place from 1 April in most areas, excluding the highest-risk municipalities.
Officials also emphasize that avian influenza is not transmitted through properly cooked poultry meat, eggs, or processed products, although contact with sick or dead wild birds should still be avoided.
