The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment has reinforced protection measures against avian influenza in the Balearic Islands after confirming an increase in outbreaks in Spain and Europe. The decision comes after the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced new control measures to come into force on Monday, including the confinement of poultry in special risk areas and surveillance.
The general director of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Fernando Fernández, has described the situation as “critical”, although he has sent a message of “tranquility” to the population. “Analyses of dead wild birds on the Islands have been negative,” he said, stressing that the surveillance program remains active with annual tests on poultry farms.
Special surveillance zones in Ibiza and Formentera
In the case of the Pitiusas, the measures directly affect the municipalities of Ibiza, Formentera, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, Santa Eulària des Riu and Ses Salines, considered special surveillance zones according to Order APA/2442/2006.
This implies the prohibition of raising poultry outdoors, unless exceptionally authorized with aviary fabrics or devices that prevent contact with wild birds. The use of untreated water from reservoirs accessible to wild birds and the participation of poultry in fairs, exhibitions or cultural celebrations are also prohibited.
“Wetlands are the environments we monitor most closely,” Fernandez explained, alluding to the fact that the risk increases with migratory movements and lower temperatures.
A total of 83 outbreaks in Spain
The Ministry currently counts 14 outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry and 69 in wild birds in the national territory. The situation has led to the activation of all the measures foreseen in the prevention regulations, which include the prohibition of raising ducks and geese together with other domestic species and the reinforcement of biosecurity in poultry farms.
The autonomous communities may apply additional restrictions depending on the epidemiological evolution. In the Balearic Islands, the regional resolution with the specific measures will be published at the beginning of next week, after the meeting of the Rasve Committee with the Ministry.
