Canary Islands Says Mandatory Breeding Bird Confinement Applies Only in Pájara

The regional executive explains that, although the measures are not legally binding, preventive recommendations remain in force across all the islands.

The Government of the Canary Islands has corrected earlier information stating that the mandatory confinement of poultry in zones classified as special risk and special surveillance—announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA)—will affect only the municipality of Pájara on Fuerteventura.

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty announced on Saturday that this restriction applies because Pájara is a key passage and concentration area for migratory birds.

The regional executive reiterates that, even though the confinement is not compulsory, the preventive recommendations issued to the sector months ago will continue to be applied, urging that all free‑range laying hens throughout the Canary archipelago be kept indoors.

The measure, which comes into effect on Monday, 10 November, is part of MAPA’s resolution that adds reinforcement actions to curb the spread of avian influenza. This follows a recent assessment of heightened risk due to a surge in cases across Europe—especially among wild birds—combined with migratory movements and dropping temperatures.

resolution covers 1,199 municipalities across Spain, including those in Andalusia, Aragon, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castile and Castile‑La Mancha, Catalonia, the Community of Madrid, Valencian Community, Extremadura, Galicia, the Balearic Islands, La Rioja, Navarre, the Basque Country, Asturias, the Region of Murcia, Ceuta and Melilla.

ONLY IN PÁJARA

In the Canary Islands, the declaration applies exclusively to the municipality of Pájara, where wetlands and coastal zones of ornithological interest place it on the national list of high‑risk areas.

According to the Ministry, in coordination with the autonomous communities, all protection measures against avian influenza outlined in Order APA/2442/2006 of 27 July are being activated. The order specifies a series of prohibitions and obligations for zones classified as special risk and special surveillance.

The regional government will continue to cooperate with the Ministry and the poultry sector to maintain epidemiological monitoring, ensure compliance with biosecurity up‑to‑date, rigorous information to affected farms and the public.