Ducks perishing en masse in a park's pond, Malaga once again witnesses tragedy

In the heart of Malaga, Spain, an investigation is underway following the suspected outbreak of avian flu in Huelin Park. Over the past weekend, around twenty ducks, coots, and seagulls were found dead, prompting the City Council to take immediate action.

The Department of Animal Health within the Regional Government of Andalusia is responsible for monitoring avian influenza incidents in the city. In light of the suspected outbreak, the City Council has decided to coordinate its actions with the established protocols by the Andalusian Regional Government, the ministries of Agriculture, and Health.

The City Council has intensified surveillance in all wetlands across the city, including Huelin Park, as a preventive measure. As a precautionary step, Huelin Park was temporarily closed on Wednesday. The green areas in Malaga with ponds and lakes frequented by birds are under increased surveillance.

The Wildlife Analysis and Diagnosis Centre of the Andalusian Regional Government is involved in the investigation, and samples of the dead birds and water from the pond have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza for analysis. The Central Veterinary Laboratory of Algete, dependent on the Ministry of Agriculture, serves as this national reference laboratory.

No new cases of bird deaths have been registered in Huelin Park or any other public park with wetlands in Malaga since the weekend. The results of the avian flu analysis are still pending. The City Council's decision to close Huelin Park is temporary and will be reevaluated once the analysis results are known in the coming days.

The City Council contacted the company Raga Medio Ambiente, in charge of the maintenance and conservation of the green areas of the Carretera de Cádiz district, after being informed of the death of birds. This company had not reported the facts initially. After being requested, Raga Medio Ambiente proceeded to the removal of the dead specimens and reinforced surveillance in the affected area.

The Avian Influenza Surveillance Program in Spain 2025, drawn up by the Ministry of Agriculture, states that in the event of the finding of sick or dead animals, samples will be taken immediately for necropsy and analysis. The City Council will continue to work closely with multiple governmental institutions to ensure the safety of its residents and the city's wildlife.