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| Spain is on the migratory route of birds from Africa. |
Spain has confirmed its first case of H5N1 virus found in a dead bird in the province of Alava, located in the northern part of the country. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture stated that there is no reason for excessive concern, and this single case does not affect poultry consumption.
Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega emphasized that the avian influenza case is completely contained within the animal sector and poses no threat to human health.
“I want to make it clear that the public should not be overly worried or change anything in their daily lives,” she said.
Preventive Measures
A sample taken from the dead bird found near the Salburua wetlands in the city of Vitoria was sent for analysis on Thursday. The Ministry of Agriculture has cordoned off a 3 km area around the location where the bird was discovered to prevent further spread.
Spanish officials had warned last year that avian influenza would eventually reach the country, as Spain lies directly on the migratory path of birds from Africa.
Several preventive measures have been implemented, such as prohibiting outdoor poultry farming in areas close to bird landing sites.
Almost all cases of H5N1 infection have resulted from direct contact with sick birds or poultry.
However, the major concern now is that the virus could mutate into a form that is transmissible from human to human, potentially causing a global pandemic.
