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Spain Eases Poultry Confinement as Avian Flu Risk Falls

Targeted limits remain in 1,201 municipalities under a risk-based plan.

Overview

  • The Agriculture Ministry, which published the order Wednesday in the state gazette, lifted the national housing rule and cleared free-range eggs to return to stores, a change that could ease recent price spikes.
  • Limits remain in high-risk areas covering 1,201 municipalities, including 197 in Andalucía, 224 in Catalonia, 250 in Castile and León, and 40 in Galicia.
  • Officials cited 15 days with no detections in wild birds, warmer spring weather that slows the virus, and risk maps that flag places with higher odds of spillover.
  • Spain regained highly pathogenic avian flu–free status on February 10 under the World Organisation for Animal Health after the last farm case on January 13 in Lleida.
  • Farms must keep tight biosecurity and active watch, and authorities stress that properly cooked poultry and eggs do not infect people.