Spain: 2025 H5N1 in wild birds

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Avian flu reaches the gates of Doñana: confirmed...

05 SEPT 2025

New outbreak of avian flu detected in Andalusia. The Ministry of Agriculture has formally reported the existence of a new outbreak in the province of Seville, in the Doñana Natural Park, within the municipality of Aznalcázar. This follows the confirmed cases in the city of Seville (Tamarguillo Park) and on a poultry farm in the province of Huelva.

In this case, according to the Andalusian Regional Government's Department of Sustainability and Environment, it is an isolated specimen of a great crested grebe found dead on August 28th in the Caño del Guadiamar area within the Doñana Natural Area. It was found and collected by environmental officers. The samples were sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food on the 29th, and official confirmation of the positive result was received this Friday.

According to data released by the Ministry of the Environment, analyses conducted on the specimen have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in only one specimen, with no other cases detected in the area so far. For this reason, the Ministry is maintaining surveillance and coordination protocols with the relevant animal health authorities to ensure rigorous control of the situation.

With this positive case, there are now three areas affected by avian flu outbreaks in Andalusia in recent days. In the case of Seville, nearly 100 birds have died, mainly in Tamarguillo Park. Analysis confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Data from dead birds in María Luisa Park was also sent to the Ministry, although in this case, according to the City Council, the results are inconclusive. However, the Ministry of Agriculture's official registry indicates it as a second outbreak in the capital.

Seville is also awaiting the results of tests on birds found in the Alcázar gardens and is analyzing the situation in Miraflores Park after high mortality was also detected in one area. No conclusions have yet been drawn from these studies.

continued: https://www.elcorreoweb.es/andalucia...121286021.html

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Translated
What is known so far about avian flu in Andalusia: it affects wild and farmed birds
08 de septiembre 2025
Excerpt:

The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed the death of a grebe due to avian influenza in Aznalcázar, in the province of Seville. This wild bird is joined by three others in two outbreaks in Hinojos, Huelva: a grey heron and a red-crested pochard, and another, a gadwall. The nature of these waterfowl suggests that there may be more affected animals in the Doñana natural area.

https://www.diariodesevilla.es/andalucia/ahora-gripe-aviar-andalucia_0_2004723700.html

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09/09/2025

A new outbreak of avian flu near Doñana has raised alarm in Valverde del Camino Andalusia.

A new outbreak of avian flu near Doñana is raising alarm in Andalusia. A second farm in Huelva alerted authorities this Monday of the appearance of dead birds in a possible new outbreak of avian flu in Valverde del Camino. This poultry farm with approximately 8,400 birds is located 20 kilometers from Cerro del Andévalo, a town where the first outbreak of this disease, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), was detected a few days ago in a poultry facility with another 8,500 birds. The Andalusian Regional Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is awaiting the results of the clinical analyses performed on the dead birds in Valverde before officially declaring this fourth outbreak in the Doñana area, two of them on farms. However, it has already activated the necessary protocols to combat it, which includes the culling of several thousand birds in contact with the dead birds. Up to 25 people who have been in contact with the birds are also being monitored, although experts insist that transmission from animals to humans is very difficult. Transmission among the birds themselves is much easier, which has the national park's caretakers concerned, although they explain that this is a time of year when there isn't an excessive concentration of birds in this area. Furthermore, the department headed by Ramón Fernández-Pacheco convened the affected livestock farmers this Tuesday to explain the situation and inform them of the measures the sector must implement.

continued https://www.elconfidencial.com/espan...lucia_4204805/

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[In English]

Spain tightens measures due to H5N1 bird flu cases spotted in Andalusia
09/09/2025

Excerpt:
The first outbreak in Huelva was detected in a poultry farm located a few kilometres from Doñana, which reported the detection of some cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Already on Monday, a second facility, 20 kilometres from the national park, reported the appearance of several dead birds on its premises.

Although the Junta de Andalucía does not yet have the official results of this second possible outbreak in Huelva, the Regional Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Catalina García, has reported the reinforcement of "surveillance" and "biosecurity" measures,** and has detailed that some birds have been "safely removed" to avoid possible contagion

https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/09/09/spain-tightens-measures-due-to-h5n1-bird-flu-cases-spotted-in-andalusia

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translated, emphasis is mine
09 sep 2025

Controls are intensified after a new case of avian flu
PCR tests will be performed tomorrow on six workers in contact with birds

The territorial delegate for Health and Consumer Affairs in Huelva, Manuela Caro, reported this Monday the detection of a new suspected case of avian flu on a farm in the municipality of Valverde del Camino. Given this situation, the Ministry of Health immediately activated its prevention and surveillance protocol, paying special attention to workers who have been in contact with the affected birds.

Caro offered a message of reassurance, emphasizing that "so far, no human infection has been detected," although she emphasized the importance of maintaining active surveillance.

“Tomorrow, PCR tests will be performed on six workers who have had direct contact with the birds. This is a preventative measure within the protocol we scrupulously follow throughout Andalusia,” the delegate explained.

These tests are part of the coordinated actions between public health, environmental health, and animal health services, and are in addition to the other controls already underway at the affected farm.

Caro also announced that a meeting will also be held tomorrow with local municipalities that could be affected, with the aim of strengthening information about the protocol and ensuring rapid and effective action should new outbreaks arise.

continued: https://www.cope.es/emisoras/andaluc...9_3210586.html

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10/09/2025
New cases of dead birds in Seville rekindle avian flu alert
Two dead swans in the María Luisa and Los Príncipes parks add to the outbreak affecting various areas in the Andalusian capital

The discovery of two dead birds in iconic Seville parks has once again placed avian flu in the public spotlight. In recent days, two dead swans have been found in María Luisa Park and Los Príncipes Park.
Both specimens have been sent for analysis to determine if the cause is linked to the avian flu virus, which has already caused the deaths of more than 100 birds in various green spaces throughout the city.
Until now, the main affected areas were Tamarguillo Park and Miraflores Park, where the first deaths were reported. However, the appearance of dead birds in María Luisa Park, Los Príncipes Park, and the Royal Alcázar Gardens confirms the spread of the outbreak.

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In recent hours, the death of three peacocks was reported near the María Inmaculada Nursery School, adjacent to the Alcázar. The proximity to a school has heightened the concern of residents, although health authorities emphasize that there is no risk to children or staff.

Continued: https://sevillaconfidencial.com/noti...a-gripe-aviar/

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from Post #20

Caro also announced that a meeting will also be held tomorrow with local municipalities that could be affected, with the aim of strengthening information about the protocol and ensuring rapid and effective action should new outbreaks arise.

Andalusia establishes a coordination protocol with local governments to address avian influenza

The Governing Council has taken note of the coordination protocol with city councils for the surveillance and control of avian influenza in urban and peri-urban parks in Andalusia, which was established following the first outbreak of avian influenza in an urban setting, specifically in Tamarguillo Park in Seville.

This protocol reminds the city council that the responsibility for implementing and maintaining these measures rests primarily with the owners of these green areas, in accordance with the various public health, animal health, and animal welfare regulations. It emphasizes that if a dead bird is detected, it should not be touched or handled, nor should pets be allowed to do so. It asks citizens to immediately notify park officials for its removal.

If three or more bird carcasses are detected in the same area and the cause is unknown within 24 hours, the city council must be notified, and they will assess the appropriate action and, if necessary, contact the authorities of the Regional Government of Andalusia through the channels established in this protocol.

The Regional Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs emphasizes that the risk of transmitting avian flu to the general population is currently very low. However, it points out that handling any dead animal without knowing the cause and without adequate protection can always carry the risk of contracting various zoonotic diseases. If you have any questions, you can contact the Salud Responde service (955 545 060). It also encourages those eligible for seasonal flu vaccination to visit their health center to receive it when this season's vaccination campaign begins.

Continued: https://www.diarioveterinario.com/t/...nfluenza-aviar

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11/09/2025
Bird flu forces the closure of María Luisa Park in Seville after five dead ducks were found

The H5N1 virus is spreading in Andalusia, with outbreaks on farms in Huelva and bird deaths in urban parks in Seville and Malaga.

The avian flu crisis in Andalusia adds a new chapter. Seville City Council decreed the preventive closure of María Luisa Park this Thursday after five dead ducks were found in the park's bird pond. The measure is being adopted in accordance with the protocol approved this week by the Governing Council of the Andalusian Regional Government for the surveillance and control of avian influenza in urban and peri-urban parks. It establishes that, after detecting three or more dead birds in the same area in less than 24 hours, it is mandatory to report the incident immediately so that preventive measures can be taken.

continued: https://www.lavanguardia.com/local/a...s-muertos.html

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[New Province. Pedraza de Alba is a municipality and town in the province of Salamanca, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. Andalusia The territory is divided into eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville. wikipedia]

11 de septiembre de 2025

THE GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS AVIAN FLU IN TESTS CARRIED OUT ON A BOOTLED EAGLE COLLECTED IN PEDRAZA DE ALBA, SALAMANCA

Following this confirmation, resulting from the implementation of the protocols of the Avian Influenza Surveillance Program, efforts to locate dead specimens are being intensified, and prevention, control, and surveillance efforts are being strengthened around the Salamanca town.

On August 16, a booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) was found with nervous symptoms near the town of Pedraza de Alba, Salamanca. Following established protocols for the appearance of possible diseases or poisoning in wildlife, the veterinary staff at the Salamanca Wildlife Reception Center notified the veterinary services of the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development for sample collection and subsequent analysis.

After the samples were tested and confirmed at the national reference laboratory in Algete, PCR testing confirmed that the animals were positive for the Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus.

Therefore, the Regional Government of Castile and León has strengthened the prevention, control, and surveillance of biosecurity measures applied to poultry farms in the area around Pedraza de Alba.

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Recommendations

Regardless of this fact, and the fact that, according to animal health experts, the risk of infection among workers exposed to sick animals is low, the Regional Government of Castile and León recommends intensifying biosecurity measures on poultry farms, immediately reporting any suspicions, and minimizing contact with wild birds that show symptoms or are dead to prevent spread.

https://comunicacion.jcyl.es/web/jcyl/Comunicacion/es/Plantilla100Detalle/1281372051501/NotaPrensa/1285556027993/Comunicacion

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• Publicado el: 11/09/2025

A case of bird flu has been confirmed in Pedraza de Alba.
The Board makes it clear that this positive test "does not pose any risk to public health."

The Castile and León Regional Government confirmed this Thursday that a positive case of avian influenza was detected after testing a booted eagle collected on August 16 with nervous symptoms near the Salamanca town of Pedraza de Alba.
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Although these situations may cause some alarm among the population, the regional government wanted to make it clear in a statement sent to Ical that this positive result "does not pose any risk to public health," given that the H5N1 virus variant circulating in Europe this year "does not have a significant capacity for transmission to humans," and because the pathogen cannot be transmitted through the consumption of cooked poultry, eggs, or products derived from these.

Regardless of this fact, and the fact that, according to animal health experts, the risk of contagion among workers exposed to sick animals is "low," the Regional Government of Castile and León recommended intensifying biosecurity measures on poultry farms, immediately reporting any suspicions, and minimizing contact with wild birds that show symptoms or are dead to prevent spread.

https://lacronicadesalamanca.com/639443-confirmado-un-caso-de-gripe-aviar-en-pedraza-de-alba/

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Avian flu in Andalusia: the Regional Government confirms nine outbreaks, calls for calm, and activates a protocol...

Avian flu is advancing in Andalusia
SEP 12, 2025 - 7:55 p.m.
The Andalusian Regional Government confirmed this Friday the existence of nine outbreaks of avian flu.
Of these outbreaks, three are in wild birds, two are in urban or peri-urban parks, two are on agricultural farms, and there is another on another type of farm.

The Andalusian Regional Government confirmed this Friday the existence of nine outbreaks of avian flu in the region and issued a message of calm to the public, urging them to exercise caution and follow the recommendations.
"Currently, there are outbreaks that we can say have been confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's veterinary health alert network," declared the Minister of Sustainability and Environment, Catalina García

A new suspected outbreak of avian flu has been detected on a poultry farm in Valverde del Camino, Huelva.
According to the regional minister, three of these outbreaks are in wild birds, two are in urban or peri-urban parks, two are on agricultural farms, and another is on another type of farm that is not specifically agricultural.
All those who have had contact are being monitored.
"All those who have had contact are also under surveillance," added García, who specified that the various ministries of the regional government are "carrying out all this surveillance exhaustively."

https://www.telecinco.es/noticias/andalucia/20250912/junta-andalucia-confirma-existencia-nueve-focos-gripe-aviar-comunidad-protocolo_18_016576029.html

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Suspected bird flu in Malaga raises alarm on farms: "We must take extreme precautions."

14 de septiembre 2025]
Avian flu has set off alarm bells in several parts of Andalusia, with the appearance of dead birds in Huelin Park and in the western part of Malaga. The latest outbreaks detected in wild birds have caused concern among farmers, who live with the uncertainty of not knowing when a new outbreak could appear near their farms. "I'm scared because it's a huge risk we run if the virus hits us," confesses Inmaculada Urbano, a farmer from Coín.
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Urbano's fear is neither exaggerated nor unjustified. Although her animals haven't presented any problems so far, the memory of images of dead birds in different areas of Andalusia also affects the farmers' daily routine. "From what I'm observing, the outbreaks are occurring in wild birds. And on farms, they are mostly in cage farms, not in alternative, organic, or carper farms, as is my case," she says.
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The farmer points out a detaas striking: "I think most of them are occurring in cage farms and floor farms, inside buildings."il that strikes her For her, logic would dictate that free-range systems should be more vulnerable because they are more exposed to contact with wild birds. However, the reality she observes is different. "In theory, we're at greater risk because our hens may have more contact with wild birds than those kept in sheds, but I don't know how or why, but most of the infections are occurring in cage farms or in type 2 and 3 farms," he emphasizes.
This contradiction fuels the concern of those working in the sector, aware that the disease can alter the future of a farm in a matter of days. Urbano, who has been running the farm for more than a decade, has left nothing to chance. "For a couple of years now, we've had specific insurance for these cases, for avian flu, in case we're unlucky enough for a hen to contract the disease," he explains.

continued: https://www.malagahoy.es/malaga/grip...003809959.html

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They are investigating the appearance of more dead birds in the Zóñar Lagoon in Aguilar de la Frontera

The emergence of outbreaks of avian flu in Andalusia continues unabated. In Córdoba, following the appearance of nearly thirty dead birds near the Guadalquivir River, preventative measures have been taken, and a final outbreak, reported this Friday in Aguilar de la Frontera, near the Laguna de Zóñar, is being investigated. There, the Andalusian Regional Government has opened an investigation to clarify the cause of the deaths of several birds in the vicinity of the aforementioned wetland.

Municipal sources consulted by this newspaper indicated that the appearance of dead birds a few days ago has generated great concern in the municipality, given the importance of the natural enclave where the findings occurred. According to the same sources, this has led the Andalusian Regional Government to implement the avian flu protocol.

Although some concern had also been raised by the detection of other cases of dead birds in the municipalities of Villa del Río and Castro del Río, the Andalusian Regional Government informed this newspaper this afternoon that none of them correspond to avian flu. Specifically, in the case of Villa del Río, the sources consulted indicate that the dead birds did not show any type of virus, while the case of Castro del Río has been classified as a "false alarm," without further details.

City Council Circular
For its part, the Córdoba City Council sent circulars to all schools in the capital between Thursday and Friday warning them about the appearance of dead birds in the area surrounding the Guadalquivir River. From then on, officers from the Civil Guard's Seprona (Secretary of the Spanish National Police) and Environmental Protection Officers from the Regional Government inspected the birds and cordoned off the area to prevent access. The carcasses of the dead animals have been sent to the Analysis and Diagnostic Center in Malaga to determine whether the deaths were caused by avian flu.

Although the results will be known in a few days, the Córdoba City Council has taken the first steps toward prevention in schools, which resumed classes this week. Thus, although the risk of human transmission is not high, a statement was sent to school principals informing them of the situation and reminding them of the prohibition, should this arise, on touching dead animals.

Other city councils in towns surrounding the capital have acted similarly.
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Thus, it is recommended to maintain social distancing and also monitor pets. Good hygiene and avoiding touching surfaces with droppings, as well as respecting restricted areas, are essential. And if you find a dead animal, it is advisable not to touch it and call 092.

https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/andalucia/2025/09/14/junta-investiga-aves-muertas-gripe-aviar-andalucia-121552617.html

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18 de septiembre de 2025,
Avian flu spreads across Spain: a new outbreak detected in Castilla-La Mancha

The Castilla-La Mancha region has detected a new outbreak of avian influenza in several ducks in a lake in the Valdeluz de Yebes park in Guadalajara, northeast of Madrid. The regional government has activated the animal health protocol and transported the infected animals to laboratories for analysis, where the diagnosis was confirmed.

"From an animal health perspective, the protocols are clear. Protection perimeters must be established, and we must monitor which people have had contact or potential contact with these birds to monitor them and ensure there is no risk of exposure or contagion of this virus," explained the Regional Minister for Sustainable Development, Mercedes Gómez.

As a precautionary measure, the Yebes-Valdeluz City Council has decided to close access to the lake to prevent the spread of the virus. This is the third outbreak in the region in recent months, as avian flu spreads across different parts of Spain, including Andalusia, the Basque Country, and Extremadura.

continued: https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/gri...083058865.html

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Source: https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-n...-in-andalucia/


18 Sep, 2025 @ 14:33
Andalucia·Environment·Green·Lead·Malaga·Other News·Sevilla
Fears bird flu outbreak is spreading into central Spain after dead birds turned up in popular tourist towns in Andalucia
by Adam Husicka

NEW cases of bird flu have been spreading through central Spain after first being detected in popular city parks in Malaga and Sevilla.

Fears of a new outbreak have been echoed by farmers, who say they are worried about the possibility of the virus reaching their animals, as even one case could force them to cull entire flocks.

One farmer from Coin, who raises 3,500 free-range hens, said, “I’m worried because it is a very big risk for us if the disease comes close.”

She explained that although her chickens live outdoors and could come into contact with wild birds, most recent outbreaks have been inside caged farms.

In Sevilla, the situation is even more serious, with several outbreaks confirmed in parks across the city.

The Ministry of Agriculture has reported cases in the Parque de Miraflores, Jardines del Alcazar, and Parque del Tamarguillo.

Other outbreaks have been found in nearby towns, including La Puebla del Rio and Aznalcazar, close to the Doñana wetlands...