December 14, 2005

Spain extends bird flu precautionary measures till May

Spain has extended to May next year precautionary measures to prevent the spread of bird flu.

In a weekly bulletin, the country's Ministry of Agriculture announced Dec 13 that the measures, which include the prohibiting of open-air rearing of birds in 254 municipalities located within 10 kilometres of 25 wetlands, had been effective since Nov 15 and was due to expire on Dec 14.

While waiting for the conclusions and recommendations of EU experts, the government decided to extend the measures as a precaution.

The Spanish government also announced new bio-security measures against bird flu imposed by the EU, including the banning of all wild bird hunting and fairs, markets or cultural events that involved large numbers of birds.

The authorities will also label and supervise bird production that has to take place in the open air, until the EU comes up with a rule covering these issues.

The Spanish government launched a national committee for bird flu prevention in October when the disease broke out in Europe. Five protocols on protective measures have been applied since.