Spain extends bird flu protective measures to May 2006
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-14 09:44

Spain's Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday extended to May next year the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of bird flu.

"While awaiting the conclusions and recommendations of the EU group of experts, it is necessary to extend the application (of the measures) until May 31, 2006," the government said in its weekly bulletin.

The measures, effective since November 15 and due to expire on Wednesday, prohibit the open air rearing of any birds in 254 municipalities, located within 10 km of 25 wetlands considered at high risk of bird flu infection.

The Spanish government also announced new measures for biosecurity imposed by the European Union against bird flu, including the banning of all wild bird hunting and fairs, markets or cultural events that concentrate large numbers of birds.

The government also made it obligatory to lock up or vaccinate all birds in zoos within the 25 high risky zones.

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

The Spanish government launched a national committee against risks of bird flu in October when the disease broke out in Europe. Five protocols on protective measures have been worked out ever since.