The increase in cases reported in Europe and Spain in recent weeks, and given the forecast of lower temperatures, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has issued a statement in which it notifies that in view of the “risk of entry of the virus at the regional level” the activation of biosafety measures established in Order APA/2442/2006 is extended throughout the national territory, as well as the confinement of farms dedicated to pigeon breeding, as a form of “prevention and control of contagion by avian influenza.”
This implies the prohibition of the presence of poultry or other types of captive birds in animal concentration centers, including livestock competitions, samples, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, as well as any concentration of poultry or other types of captive birds.
The statement also specifies that at the meeting of the Veterinary Health Alert Network Committee (RASVE Committee), held on November 11, it was decided to unanimously authorize, in relation to pigeon fanciers and pigeon farming: the release of carrier pigeons, provided that they are carried out in municipalities not included in Annexes II (ZER) and III (ZEV) of Order APA/2442/2006; and the daily training of carrier pigeons around the pigeon lofts, guaranteeing the absence of contact of the pigeons with wild birds.
