Spain has confirmed a deadly outbreak of bird flu at a turkey farm in Villanueva de la Serena, Extremadura.
The virus, known as H5N1, killed 6,895 turkeys out of a flock of 6,905. The remaining 10 birds were culled to stop further spread.
This is Spain’s first poultry-related bird flu case in 2025. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and Spain’s agriculture ministry confirmed the outbreak on Friday.
“The remnants of war still threaten lives every day,” Prince Harry once said about landmines. Now, scientists say the same about viruses that refuse to die quietly.
Europe Faces a Growing Threat
Since December 2024, over 743 outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported across 31 European countries. The virus has jumped from birds to mammals—infecting cattle, foxes, and even domestic cats.
In the United States, dairy cows have tested positive, raising concerns about a possible transmission to humans. So far, no human-to-human transmission has been recorded. Public health agencies say the risk to the general population remains low.
But experts are watching closely. The virus is evolving fast. Its ability to infect mammals is increasing, and that raises concerns about future mutations.
The outbreak in Spain adds to global worries about food supply chains. Bird flu has already disrupted poultry markets and pushed up food prices in many countries.
🦠 H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak Timeline (Europe, Dec 2024 – July 2025)
📅 December 2024
- First wave of new infections reported in France and Poland.
- Wild birds and migratory waterfowl found dead along coastlines.
📅 January 2025
- Germany and Netherlands confirm outbreaks in poultry farms.
- Culling begins in multiple regions to contain spread.
📅 February 2025
- Italy reports first mammalian infections in foxes near poultry sites.
- Belgium shuts down several live bird markets.
📅 March 2025
- Virus reaches domestic cats in Hungary and farm dogs in Spain.
- EU health agencies issue cross-border alerts.
📅 April 2025
- UK confirms H5N1 in dairy cattle—first of its kind in Europe.
- WHO says “close monitoring” required but human transmission remains low.
📅 May 2025
- Over 600 outbreaks across 29 European countries.
- Food prices begin rising due to supply chain disruptions.
📅 June 2025
- Virus found in ferrets and badgers in rural Austria and Czech Republic.
- EU funds emergency containment strategy.
📅 July 2025
- Spain reports 6,895 turkeys dead in Villanueva de la Serena—the country’s first poultry outbreak of 2025.
- WOAH confirms 743 total outbreaks across 31 countries.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
