A case of avian influenza and a case of Newcastle have been detected in two wild birds in the Basque Country

The Department of Food, Rural Development and Agriculture confirmed on Friday one case of avian influenza in Portugalete (Bizkaia) and another of Newcastle disease in San Sebastián, in this case a Turkish usatortol, although it noted that these diseases have not affected poultry farms.

Both positives have been confirmed by the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Algete (Madrid), a reference centre for these diseases.

The Department of Agriculture has sent a message of tranquillity to society and the poultry sector, asthe positives have been detected "only in wildlife".

Counsellor Amaia Barredo said in a statement that these detections show that the surveillance system "works properly" and that there is coordination between wildlife services, DDFFs, Neiker, laboratories, official veterinary services and technicians of the Basque Government.

The Department recalls that sick or dead wild birds should not be touched or manipulated, nor should domestic animals be allowed to approach them.

He also recalled that any discovery must be reported to 112, indicating its location, so that it can be removed and examined by the competent services.

The Department has asked the poultry sector to maintain surveillance and continue to coordinate with veterinarians and official veterinary services on the farms.