Image representation
Madrid: Spain will confine poultry indoors in several regions starting Monday in response to escalating cases of avian influenza across Europe, the agriculture ministry said Wednesday.
"Over the past weeks, we have observed an increase in the number of cases detected, both in wild and domestic birds, indicating a worsening situation," it said in a statement.
ADIS, a Europe-wide system that tracks infectious animal diseases, has recorded 139 outbreaks in European poultry farms between July 1 and November 5, including 14 in Spain.
A ministry map identified the highest-risk areas in the southwest, central, and northern regions.
Free-range poultry farming will be banned in these zones starting November 10, save for exceptional cases. No end date has been set.
The virus can spread through bird droppings and saliva, as well as contaminated food and water, prompting concern among farmers and health authorities.
The UK and France have also imposed similar restrictions amid rising avian flu cases.
