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Spain Orders Poultry Kept Indoors in 1,199 High‑Risk Municipalities as Avian Flu Risk Rises

Officials point to increased European outbreaks and seasonal migration, tighten farm biosecurity, and warn of supply pressure pushing egg prices higher.

Overview

  • The order took effect on 10 November, requiring poultry confinement in designated risk and surveillance zones and activating the full set of measures under Order APA/2442/2006.
  • Rules in affected areas prohibit outdoor rearing unless protected with netting, bar mixing ducks or geese with other poultry, suspend exhibitions, and restrict water sources accessible to wild birds.
  • Regional authorities are adding measures, with Castilla‑La Mancha moving to extend confinement across all municipalities and Madrid listing 16 municipalities after several recent detections, including a large Valdemoro laying farm.
  • Spain has reported 14 poultry outbreaks this season, while EU data show 139 poultry outbreaks and hundreds in wild birds between 1 July and 5 November, reflecting broader regional circulation.
  • Egg prices are climbing sharply, with official data near 16% higher this year and consumer groups citing rises of up to about 50%, as the agriculture minister urges calm, close market monitoring, and notes very low risk to human health and food safety with properly cooked products.