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Spain Orders Poultry Indoors as H5N1 Outbreak Widens, Government Urges Calm

Health officials report low public risk, with food safety assured when eggs and poultry are cooked.

Overview

  • Mandatory indoor housing for poultry took effect nationwide on 10 November across more than a thousand municipalities, with heightened vigilance urged elsewhere.
  • Authorities report over 2.5 million birds culled in recent months as outbreaks were confirmed in provinces including Valladolid, Huelva, Toledo, Badajoz, Guadalajara and Madrid.
  • Regions have added local curbs, with Asturias banning outdoor rearing in eight municipalities and suspending animal fairs and markets.
  • Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría said Madrid is coordinating closely with the sector, while Agriculture Minister Luis Planas asked producers and retailers not to speculate on prices.
  • Egg prices have jumped sharply over the past year—about 31% according to Facua, with official statistics showing smaller but notable increases—while experts reiterate there is no sustained human-to-human transmission.