Spain Bans Free-Range Poultry Farming Amid Rising Avian Influenza Cases
Spain enforces a ban on free-range poultry farming amid a surge in avian influenza cases, implementing new biosecurity measures to prevent virus spread.
- • Spain bans free-range poultry farming starting November 10, 2025, to curb avian influenza spread.
- • The country reported 14 domestic bird outbreaks and 68 in wild birds amid a Europe-wide rise.
- • A major outbreak in Olmedo led to culling over 300,000 birds.
- • Additional restrictions include banning water access from reservoirs reachable by wild birds and prohibiting poultry at animal gatherings.
Key details
Spain's Ministry of Agriculture has announced a ban on free-range poultry farming starting November 10, 2025, in response to a sharp increase in avian influenza outbreaks. This measure aims to prevent further spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus affecting both domestic and wild birds across the country and Europe. From July 1 to November 5, Europe reported 139 HPAI outbreaks in domestic birds, 708 in wild birds, and 33 in captive birds. Spain alone has recorded 14 outbreaks in poultry and 68 in wild birds, with outbreaks particularly affecting regions including Madrid, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, and Castilla y León.
One significant outbreak in Olmedo (Valladolid) forced the culling of over 300,000 birds. The Ministry's decision also includes prohibiting the breeding of ducks and geese alongside other poultry species, restricting access to water sources accessible to wild birds, and banning poultry presence at animal concentration centers. These steps follow similar confinements in Ireland, France, and Great Britain due to the return of migratory birds increasing virus transmission risks.
In addition to the ban, the Ministry has called for enhanced biosecurity and surveillance measures nationwide to combat the rising threat of avian influenza as colder temperatures approach. Spain's action highlights the growing concern over HPAI in Europe, where Germany leads with 59 domestic bird outbreaks, followed by Poland and Italy. By enforcing these preventative measures, Spanish authorities aim to contain the spread and protect poultry farming and public health.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Number of reported outbreaks in Spain
Sources disagree on the number of reported outbreaks of avian influenza in Spain.
abc.es
"The Ministry indicated that Europe has reported 139 outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds."
rtve.es
"There are 14 outbreaks reported in Spain."
Why this matters: The first source states there are 139 outbreaks in Europe, with no specific number for Spain, while the second source claims there are 14 outbreaks specifically in Spain. This discrepancy is significant as it affects the understanding of the severity of the situation in Spain compared to Europe.
Number of reported cases in wild birds
Sources disagree on the number of reported cases of avian influenza in wild birds in Spain.
abc.es
"Europe has reported 708 outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild birds."
rtve.es
"Spain has registered 68 cases in wild birds."
Why this matters: The first source mentions 708 outbreaks in wild birds across Europe, while the second source states that Spain has recorded 68 cases. This discrepancy is significant as it highlights different perspectives on the impact of avian influenza on wild bird populations.