Avian influenza could be considered an “endemic disease in Spain”. “Cases have been recorded throughout the year.” The peak of infection is higher outside of the migratory season, which several biologists have explained is “evidence of the persistence of the disease.”
SEO/BirdLife biologist Jorge Orueta, for example, recalled the source of the H5N1 virus detected in Vizcaya in August of the same year. Identified by seagulls, leading to preventive culling 17 other birds also came into contact with it.
“We don’t know if climate change (the number of infections) will increase or decrease, but of course,” Orueta said. Changing bird migration patterns.”As a result, “species that were previously unmatched may now match, potentially causing encounters that lead to infections and epidemics at times when they did not previously occur.”
Furthermore, this factor results in changes “Physical conditions for viruses to survive” This is because they were able to verify that “there is a positive relationship between winter precipitation and an increase in the probability of its appearance and survival.”
Less wetlands mean more problems
In a similar vein, Marcelino Caldarigue, SEO/Birdlife representative for Extremadura, points out that “there is still no evidence that avian influenza is directly affected by climate change,” but he says: Changes in bird migratory behavior. He said the lack of available wetlands meant animals were concentrated “a little more than usual”, which explained the increase in cases at this time of year.
Ursula Höfle-Hansen, a researcher at the Institute for Hunting and Hunting Resources (IREC-CSIC), also said in a separate interview this week: Cranes and other species arrive later this yearThis is precisely because the high temperatures recorded during the autumn delayed the migration process.
“If temperatures continue to drop, we will see more displacement and probably more infections.” And in fact, “many outbreaks are active in Central and Eastern Europe, where potentially infected migratory birds are currently arriving.”
Management measures
Last Thursday, the government ordered a curfew on all poultry kept outdoors in Spain. Possibility of worsening infectious diseases due to wild migrationthe decision to extend the confinement that already affected 1,200 municipalities in areas of special risk and supervision since last Monday. Mr Orueta believes the measure is “positive” and remembers that it has been enforced in similar situations before.
The virus is primarily transmitted by direct contact through feces, respiratory secretions, or contaminated feathers. Therefore, it is recommended. Prevent poultry from sharing the same waterer and separate ducks from turkeys and chickens, which are most susceptible to infectious diseases.
Regarding risks to humans, Heffle emphasizes that it is “very low.” And because “the virus is inactivated by cooking and products from questionable farms are kept off the market,” there is no danger in consuming meat or eggs even in rural areas. Only people who have been exposed to infected birds for a long time in a closed environment may be affected, so appropriate protective equipment should be used.
Against confinement
Experts have lamented the “mass confinement” of birds, and animal rights groups such as the Animal Equality Foundation have questioned its usefulness because they believe: “It doesn’t solve the problem; it actually makes it worse.”
“Scientific evidence shows that avian influenza does not originate or spread solely from wild birds. However, it is associated with an intensive production model. ” Confining animals is therefore a “disproportionate option” and one that “disincentivizes systems that have invested in improving welfare, such as cage-free farms and farms with access to the outdoors.”
And on the other hand, egg prices continue to rise. Already costs 22.5% more than last year According to the National Institute for Statistics (INE), it became the most expensive staple food during this period.
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