GENEVA 

Spain on Thursday ordered all outdoor-raised poultry to be temporarily confined as the country faces a growing number of avian flu outbreaks in the 2025-2026 season.

The measure, published in the Official State Gazette, followed confirmation of 14 outbreaks in farm birds, five in captive birds and 68 in wild birds, all involving the H5N1 strain.

Authorities said winter migration and rising cases in northern Europe increase the risk of the virus spreading to Spanish farms.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, about 2.5 million hens have been sacrificed as part of containment efforts so far.

The government explained in the order that avian flu is highly contagious and can cause severe losses in poultry. Although some strains cause mild illness, others lead to rapid spread and high mortality, and can mutate into more dangerous forms, explaining why strict preventive steps are needed to protect the sector.

Under the new rules, outdoor birds must be kept indoors unless farms install barriers to prevent contact with wild birds and ensure all feeding and watering is sheltered. Mixing ducks or geese with other poultry is banned, and open water sources accessible to wild birds cannot be used.

Poultry fairs, exhibitions and similar gatherings are also suspended unless regional authorities approve them after a risk assessment.

The measures take immediate effect and may be updated as the situation evolves, according to the notification.