Since the beginning of autumn 2025, twenty outbreaks of avian influenza have been recorded in the Madrid region. The virus has affected both domestic chickens and wild birds — geese and storks. Regional authorities have decided to introduce restrictions in 18 municipalities to prevent further spread of the infection among birds.
The situation worsened after hundreds of dead storks were discovered in several towns. Authorities initially failed to report some cases at the national level, considering them non-threatening. However, after the high pathogenicity of the H5N1 virus was confirmed, measures were tightened.
Geography of outbreaks
The first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed on September 22, 2025, in two geese at Parque de Andalucía in Alcobendas. By October 1, the virus was detected at a poultry farm in Valdemoro, where laying hens were infected. Throughout October and November, new outbreaks were identified in Móstoles, Alcorcón, Leganés, Fuenlabrada, Madrid (El Retiro and La Gavia parks), Villamanrique de Tajo, Getafe, Ciempozuelos, Torres de la Alameda, Chinchón, San Martín de la Vega, as well as in Torrejón de Velasco.
By December 11, four more cases had been confirmed among wild birds in the areas of Getafe-Perales del Río, Boadilla del Monte, Arganda del Rey, and Rivas-Vaciamadrid. In total, the virus spread throughout the south and southeast of the region, forcing authorities to implement additional measures.
Restrictions and measures
In 18 municipalities, including Alcorcón, Arganda del Rey, Boadilla del Monte, Campo Real, Getafe, Leganés, Loeches, Madrid (southeast and southwest), Majadahonda, Mejorada del Campo, Morata de Tajuña, Móstoles, Pinto, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Rivas-Vaciamadrid, San Martín de la Vega, Velilla de San Antonio, and Villaviciosa de Odón, a ban has been introduced on keeping ducks and geese together with other types of domestic poultry.
It is also forbidden to let poultry out on open spaces or to use shared water reservoirs for domestic and wild birds. Authorities insist on minimizing visits to poultry farms and mandate disinfection of people and vehicles that come into contact with birds.
Causes of the Spread
Regional authorities attribute the rise in cases to the migration of wild birds carrying the virus from other European countries. According to them, this is the main reason for the infection’s appearance in Spain, rather than the emergence of a new local strain. Responsibility for the situation is thus partly shifted to natural processes rather than local agencies.
Outbreaks in the southern areas of Madrid occurred simultaneously, complicating control over the situation. Authorities say they are taking every possible measure to prevent further spread of the disease.
Consequences for Birds
Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic virus in storks found dead near the Manzanares River and in the areas of Perales del Río and Marañosa in Getafe. Around five hundred dead birds were discovered in total. Initial analyses did not reveal a serious threat, but subsequent tests indicated that the virus poses a danger to wild populations.
Authorities emphasize that, so far, the virus has only been detected in wild birds. Poultry farms and agricultural holdings in the region have not been affected. Regional and national services are continuing to work together to monitor the situation and prevent new outbreaks.
