Lorraine Williamson
Spain is now on high alert as experts warn the country could be at the centre of the largest bird flu pandemic in history. The alarm comes not because the virus poses a major threat to people, but due to the staggering impact on food supply, farmers and national costs.
In recent weeks, the price of eggs has more than doubled, millions of hens have been culled, and authorities have ordered poultry indoors across large parts of the country.
Science journalist Jorge Alcalde told COPE radio that Spain could be facing “the biggest bird-flu pandemic ever recorded” as cases escalate rapidly across Europe. He stressed that while transmission to humans remains extremely rare, the economic fallout and animal health crisis may only be at the beginning. Bird flu follows a seasonal rhythm, typically intensifying in autumn and early winter — meaning worse may still come.
Egg prices soar and farmers struggle
The cost of a simple carton of eggs has become one of the most visible signs of the crisis. Spain’s consumer organisation OCU confirms that egg prices have now doubled compared to six months ago. The rise is being driven not only by panic buying and confinement orders but also by mass culling and soaring feed and energy costs.
Around two million laying hens have already been slaughtered in Spain to contain outbreaks. Replacing them can take up to a year. Hens kept indoors lay fewer eggs, while new biosecurity rules increase expenses. Industry experts warn that prices could climb even higher by the end of the year, putting more pressure on household budgets and local businesses.
Poultry ordered indoors across high-risk regions
In a bid to halt the spread, Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has introduced strict new measures from Monday, 10 November 2025. Poultry in high-risk areas such as Andalucia, the Valencian Community and Catalonia must be kept indoors to prevent contact with wild birds. Outdoor feeding and open water sources are now prohibited unless protective netting is in place, and only farms meeting strict criteria may apply for exemptions.
The decision follows a sharp surge in cases: more than 800 outbreaks have been reported across Europe since July, including dozens in Spain. The order is a severe blow for free-range and organic egg producers, who now face mounting losses and production delays.
How the virus spreads — the role of migratory birds
Each autumn, migratory birds travel south from northern and eastern Europe and bring the virus with them. As they stop to rest in wetlands and coastal reserves, the disease spreads to local wildlife. From there, the virus can pass to farmed hens and ducks through droppings, body fluids, or contaminated water.
Spain’s geography — sitting on one of Europe’s main migratory corridors — makes it especially vulnerable. Scientists warn that colder weather and increased bird movement could intensify outbreaks in the coming weeks.
From a few birds to a citywide flock
Madrid suffers one of the worst outbreaks
One of the most severe incidents occurred in Valdemoro, Madrid, where a poultry farm reported infection on a large scale. Around 450,000 hens were culled, and the regional government spent roughly €800,000 on disinfection and disposal. It is the largest outbreak recorded in the region this year and a stark reminder of how fast the virus can devastate a farm.
Should people be worried? Experts say risk is low
Despite the dramatic measures and economic fallout, health experts insist there is little reason for public panic. Human infection is “extremely rare”, said Jorge Alcalde. Those most at risk are people with prolonged exposure to infected birds — farmers, vets, or workers in culling operations. However, he added that if bird flu does jump to humans, infections tend to be more severe than seasonal flu.
For now, the main danger lies not in hospitals but in supermarkets, farms, and food supply chains. Spain is Europe’s fourth-largest egg producer, and any prolonged disruption could affect export markets and drive up inflation.
Paying the price
As Spain moves into the peak flu season, authorities face a race to protect both animal health and the economy. Farmers are calling for financial support to survive months of reduced production, while consumers are already paying the price at the checkout. If the virus continues to spread, Spain may be forced to introduce even tougher restrictions — or risk becoming the epicentre of a historic pandemic that affects birds far more than people.
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