Government Orders All Chickens and Poultry to Be Confined
A reinforcement of preventive measures against avian influenza in response to the heightened risk of spread.
The Ministry of Agriculture has issued an order establishing the confinement of poultry farms to prevent and control avian influenza contagion.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) published Order APA/1288/2025, dated 11 November, which mandates the confinement of all free‑range poultry in Spain. This step strengthens preventive actions against avian flu as the risk of expansion of this highly infectious disease increases.
The ministerial decree, released in the Official State Gazette, extends the prohibition on outdoor rearing to all poultry farms, including organic operations, self‑consumption farms, and those producing meat or eggs for direct sale to consumers. The ban, already in force since Monday 10 November for 1,201 municipalities classified as high‑risk and under special surveillance, now applies nationwide.
Measures Against Avian Flu
The new regulation covers every breeding method—organic, self‑consumption, and commercial egg or meat production. Effective immediately, outdoor rearing of chickens and other captive birds is prohibited to reinforce bio‑security and prevent disease transmission.
- Exceptions: If total confinement is impossible, the competent authority may permit limited outdoor access provided adequate protective measures are implemented.
- Protective measures may include:
- Installing bird‑proof netting or similar devices to block wild birds from entering the premises.
- Feeding and providing water to birds inside the facilities or within protected shelters.
- Banning the mixed rearing of ducks and geese with other poultry species.
- Prohibiting the use of water from open reservoirs that wild birds can access, unless the water is treated to inactivate avian influenza viruses.
- Ensuring any outdoor water containers required for animal welfare are sufficiently protected against wild waterfowl.
- Restricting the presence of poultry or any captive birds in animal concentration centers (as defined in article 3.7 of Law 8/2003 on animal health), which includes livestock fairs, exhibitions, cultural events, and similar gatherings.
- Exemptions apply to birds kept in authorized establishments for sale as pets or for retail in specialized shops.
These measures aim to strengthen sanitary safety on poultry farms and protect both animal welfare and public health from potential avian influenza outbreaks.