Photograph: Unsplash (free licence).
Quick answer: according to the latest report from Spain's Ministry of Agriculture (31 August 2026), the new bird flu season in Spain started with no outbreaks in poultry, wild or captive birds. Even so, the Ministry of Health warns that the arrival of migratory birds in autumn increases the risk. If you keep hens, poultry or an aviary, now is the time to tighten biosecurity.
What the latest official data show
The avian influenza situation report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), with data up to 31 August 2026, states that no outbreak had yet been reported in Spain in the 2026-2027 season. The previous season, by contrast, was intense: 16 outbreaks in poultry, 6 in captive birds and 165 in wild birds, all of the H5N1 subtype.
Spain then regained its status as free from highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry on 10 February 2026, and the compulsory housing order for free-range birds, imposed in November 2025, was lifted nationwide on 16 April 2026 (Orden APA/338/2026). Across Europe, 45 outbreaks were reported between 1 July and 5 August 2026, almost all in wild birds.
Why autumn is the riskiest time
Wild birds are one of the main routes by which the virus reaches farms. With autumn migration, Spain's Ministry of Health expects a higher risk of new outbreaks in wild birds and, occasionally, in captive birds and poultry farms. That is why MAPA stresses the need to avoid contact with wild birds and to step up surveillance: any unusual rise in deaths must be reported to the official veterinary services in your region.
It is worth remembering that the November 2025 housing order also applied to organic farms and to backyard flocks kept for home consumption. Preparing a covered area now will save you a scramble if it happens again.
Bird flu vaccination for exposed workers
In October 2026 it emerged that Spain plans to start vaccinating exposed workers against H5 bird flu within a year, including vets, livestock farm staff, environmental officers and zoo workers, although only those with pre-existing conditions that raise the risk of severe illness. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) rates the risk as low for the general public and low to moderate for people exposed through their work. No human cases have been diagnosed in Spain.
Practical biosecurity for hens and poultry
- Keep food and water under cover: place feeders and drinkers inside the henhouse or under a roof so they do not attract wild birds.
- Mains water, not pond water: do not give your birds water from open tanks or ponds.
- Dedicated boots and clothing: wear boots only in the henhouse and wash your hands on the way in and out.
- Clean often: remove leftover feed, feathers and droppings, and disinfect equipment regularly.
- Report any change: sudden deaths, a drop in laying or respiratory signs are a reason to call your vet.
Automatic feeder and drinkerView product
Weekend drinkerView product
5-piece cleaning kitView product
Bar brush with scraperView productSee more bird drinkers, bird feeders and cage and aviary cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a housing order for poultry right now?
The general housing order was lifted on 16 April 2026. Measures can change quickly if outbreaks appear, so keep an eye on announcements from the Ministry of Agriculture and your regional government.
Does it affect backyard hens?
Yes. Under the November 2025 housing order, the ban on keeping birds outdoors also covered flocks kept for home consumption. Biosecurity matters just as much in a small henhouse.
Is it safe to eat eggs and poultry meat?
Health authorities consider the risk to the general public to be low. Always follow basic kitchen hygiene and cook food thoroughly.
We will update this news item if the situation changes.
Keep reading
- Biosecurity on farms: the basic measures
- Cleaning and disinfecting animal facilities step by step
- Farm paperwork: the key records