Poultry Restrictions: New Rules in La Rioja
Starting in 2025, six municipalities in La Rioja will face strict new regulations on keeping domestic poultry. Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has ordered that all chickens, geese, and ducks must be housed indoors. This measure aims to contain the growing threat of avian flu in Spain and across Europe. The designated high-risk zones include Logroño, Calahorra, Alfaro, Hervías, Leiva, and Tormantos. In these areas, keeping poultry outdoors is now banned, and feeding and watering are only allowed indoors or in enclosed shelters to prevent contact with wild birds.
Why the Restrictions Were Imposed and the Situation in Neighboring Regions
Although no cases have been detected in La Rioja itself, authorities are concerned by outbreaks in nearby regions—Navarra and País Vasco. Poultry infections have already been confirmed there. The Ministry stresses that the virus poses a risk not just to animals but also to humans, as it is classified as a zoonosis. As a result, veterinary controls in La Rioja have been tightened, and all bird samples so far have tested negative. Nevertheless, extra precautions remain in place, especially near bodies of water and in areas frequented by migratory birds.
Impact on Farmers and Event Cancellations
Local farmers have already begun switching their operations to a closed management system. For example, at one eco-farm in Los Molinos de Ocón, all chickens and geese are now kept under a roof, even though they are usually free to roam outdoors. The owners note that although there are no large bodies of water in their area and migration routes run elsewhere, the sanitary alert requires them to strictly follow all regulations. Additionally, this year’s traditional bird exhibition in Albelda de Iregua has been canceled to prevent any possible spread of the virus. Representatives of the regional poultry association emphasize that La Rioja is surrounded by areas with confirmed cases, so it is crucial to minimize all potential risks.
Epidemiological situation and specialist recommendations
Experts note that this season is marked by a sudden cold snap, which is having a negative impact on bird immunity. Northern Europe has already seen mass deaths among cranes, and in Spain, migratory flocks are expected to pass through more quickly, reducing the likelihood of them stopping for long periods in local wetlands. Authorities in La Rioja emphasize that special attention is being paid to high-humidity zones — La Grajera, Las Cañas, El Perdiguero reservoirs, the Ervías lagoon, and González Lacasa. Here, the risk of virus transmission between wild and domestic birds is particularly high. Meanwhile, Logroño city officials specify that peacocks in parque del Carmen are already housed in aviaries, and the chickens from La Grajera park will also be moved indoors. Wild ducks living in city parks are not subject to the new restrictions.
