Bird Flu Scare As Hundreds Of Storks Found Dead

About 400 storks have been found dead along a river near Madrid, raising concerns that a highly infectious strain of bird flu may be circulating in the region.

The mass die-off of storks has been recorded this week in muncipality of  Getafe in the south of Madrid with hundreds of dead birds found along the banks of the Manzanares River, near Perales del Río and La Marañosa.

Local authorities have launched an urgent investigation into the cause, not ruling out the possibility of an avian flu outbreak.

The birds were discovered during a routine police patrol triggering an immediate response from city and regional authorities, who began urgent inspections and sample collection for laboratory analysis.

Madrid authorities have confirmed that initial tests have already been carried out, revealing the presence of a low-pathogenic avian influenza virus. However, given the scale of the deaths, experts have initiated additional testing to rule out a more dangerous form of the disease. Final results are expected from the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Algete.

While specialists await confirmation of the diagnosis, strict preventive measures have been implemented in the region with the breeding of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl been prohibited.

Madrid forest service workers and firefighters are collecting and disposing of dead birds. They use special protective suits, masks, and goggles to minimize the risk of infection.

Firefighters emphasize that such operations are considered biologically hazardous, so only trained specialists are involved.

According to regional government officials, the likelihood of the virus being transmitted to humans is extremely low.

There have been no recorded cases in Europe of the virus being transmitted to humans through casual contact or through food products derived from birds.

Nevertheless, local residents are advised to avoid places where mass bird deaths have occurred and to stay away from water bodies where dead storks have been found. If the virus is confirmed to be highly pathogenic, authorities promise to intensify information campaigns and expand the sanitary control area.