Avian Influenza - the H5N1 bird flu virus, Spain 2006

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Avian Influenza - the H5N1 bird flu virus, Spain 2006

[27 February 2006]

Although at the time of writing, Spain has no confirmed cases of bird flu, the Spanish government have taken precautions and are preparing for the arrival of the disease currently moving through France. 

Since October 2005 when bird flu was first diagnosed in Europe the Spanish government identified high-risk areas. These are mainly wetlands with high populations of migratory birds from Europe and Africa and open air breeding of birds has been banned within a 10 Km radius of these areas.

Spain has created a permanent inter-ministerial commission to follow and analyse avian flu. The commission has ordered 10 million doses of anti-virals. 

Information from the Spanish Government

• Gripe Avair is the official Spanish Avian flu site, in Spanish: Click here
• The Spanish ministry of Health outlines its plans for an avian flu pandemic (in Spanish): Click here
• The Spanish Ministry for the Environment has news and updates, sometimes in English: Click here

Avian Flu: Information in English

• An in-depth analysis of the spread of bird flu and answers to many common questions from the BBC.co.uk
• For the latest from the EU see website Europa for Avian Influenza Questions & Answers 
• The latest update on the Spanish preparations for bird flu from the BBC
• More information can be seen on the website of the British Consulate in Spain: UK in Spain and the UK Department of Health

The WHO, World Health Organisation, is responsible for coordinating the Global response to human cases of Avian Flu. The risk to humans is believed to be relatively low provided you avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. 

• Information in English, see: WHO Avian Influenza

Consular Advice

• Information from the British High Commission for British nationals travelling or living overseas: Click here
• United States Embassy Update: Click here
• A guide for Australians living or travelling overseas: Click here