Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Populations of the The iconic stork – the much-loved wild bird native to north and central Spain – are being devastated by a rapidly-mutating bird flu virus.
Spanish skylines are dotted with storks. Readers familiar with Madrid, Ávila or Burgos will recall the huge, untidy nests that these superb birds build on every urban high point, including cathedrals.
Last week, more than 400 bird carcasses were discovered floating in the Manzanares River.
The laboratories analyzed the carcasses.
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Confirmation has been issued by Spain’s Department of Environment & Agriculture: the cause of these deaths was avian flu.
Only one good thing has been reported so far: this strain is the least virulent, which is why not many drastic measures have yet been announced.
The Madrid government takes the virus’ presence seriously.
In central Spain, farmers are being told to keep their ducks and geese separate from the other poultry and to confine all poultry production indoors.
Only professionals (such as veterinarians) are allowed to visit bird farms.
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The water contamination is a concern for Madrid authorities. The dead storks (‘cigüeñasIn the Manzanares river, which is the principal river in the city, were found a number of skeletons.
At this time, the virus H5N1 is not spread by water. It’s hoped that it will remain so.
The Spanish Government is keen to emphasize that at this time, there is no risk for humans and that chicken products are still safe to eat.
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