The Ibiza Island Council, through its veterinary services, has emphasised the importance of maintaining and reinforcing prevention and biosecurity measures following the recent increase in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) detected in various European countries and in Spain.

According to the latest data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), recent weeks have seen a notable rise in infections among both wild and domestic birds, posing a high risk of the virus reaching the island’s ecosystem. In response, and in compliance with Order APA/2442/2006, specific preventive measures have been activated across the territory.

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Ibiza Island Council strengthens measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza on the island

Although no cases have been detected in Ibiza, the Council has urged bird owners in municipalities with wetlands —Ibiza, Santa Eulària, and Sant Josep— to strengthen protection in their poultry farms and domestic bird facilities by applying the following rules:

• Keep poultry confined: outdoor breeding is prohibited.
• If confinement is not possible, nets or protective meshes must be installed to prevent contact with wild birds.
• Feed and water must be provided inside enclosures or in protected areas.

Veterinary authorities are calling on farmers, poultry breeders, and private owners to maintain active surveillance and report any signs of illness, such as sudden death, loss of appetite, head swelling, or nervous disorders, to their veterinarian or to the island’s animal health services.

They also urge the public not to handle wild birds found dead or showing suspicious symptoms, and to report such cases to the competent authorities following established surveillance protocols.

The Ibiza Island Council stresses that these measures aim to protect animal health and prevent the spread of the virus on the island, calling for the cooperation of the livestock sector and local citizens to ensure their effectiveness.