Avian flu is once again in the spotlight. The ornithological society SEO/BirdLife has confirmed a rebound in cases of the H5N1 virus in wild birds in the Iberian Peninsula and has launched the first public atlas that shows confirmed or suspected outbreaks in real time. To date, more than 50 episodes have been recorded affecting around twenty species, especially common cranes and yellow-legged gulls.
In Europe, the situation is also worrying. Germany has reported 184 new cases in wild birds between October 23 and 30, and about 2,000 dead cranes until the end of the month. Meanwhile, in France, the LPO (BirdLife here) has counted at least 6,500 dead birds in the Champagne-Ardennes region alone, including 500 deaths in the Der-Chantecoq reservoir, where 42,000 cranes were concentrated on the weekend of October 18-19. The westward migration of these species is facilitating the spread of the virus.
Spain, on alert
In our country, the interactive map illustrates how bird deaths from avian flu are dispersed. He The most serious outbreak is concentrated in the Gallocanta lagoon (Zaragoza-Teruel)one of the main wintering sites for common cranes in Europe. More than 900 dead birds have been found there, although experts believe that the real number could exceed a thousand.
Among the most frequently affected species are the yellow-legged gull, with twenty outbreaks on the Cantabrian coast and western Galiciaalthough the numbers of specimens per outbreak are usually low. Cases have also been reported in raptors: a common kestrel in the Ebro delta (October) and a booted eagle in Salamanca (August).
The organization warns the population that “you should not have direct contact with or manipulate animals” that are dead or have symptoms. On the contrary, “number 112 must be notified immediately so that the authorities coordinate the treatment and sending of sick or dead birds” to specialized centers. Although the transmission of this virus to humans is “very rare, the organization emphasizes that prevention is key to protecting wildlife and public health.”
New preventive measures
Given the increase in cases and the increased risk of avian flu, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has announced that, as of November 10, it will be Outdoor poultry farming prohibited in Spain as a temporary biosafety measure.
The decision comes after a report from the European Union that records 139 outbreaks of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in domestic birds, 708 in wild birds and 33 in captive birds, from July 1 to November 5. In Spain, official data speak of 14 outbreaks on farms, 68 in wild birds and 5 in captive birds.
Also The use of water from outdoor tanks will be restricted accessible to birds and livestock fairs or poultry exhibitions will be suspended without prior veterinary control. The objective is to avoid contact between domestic and wild birds and stop contagion.
Call for caution
SEO/BirdLife has asked the Government to reinforce sampling to confirm the presence of the virus. It also requests that measures be taken to ensure that sick or dead animals of any species, including unusual birds such as pigeons, seagulls or corvids, are promptly removed to prevent the virus from spreading among scavenger specieslike vultures or eagles, and susceptible mammals such as felines (especially lynxes).
They also recommend avoiding the release of game birds, the use of live decoys and that measures be put in place to avoid possible risks to waterfowl hunters. studying the temporary suspension of hunting of these species in risk areas.