Sevilla has ordered the preventive closure of the Real Alcazar gardens and Miraflores park after several dead ducks and peafowl were discovered, raising fresh concerns over the spread of avian flu.
The announcement comes as the regional health department is monitoring 25 people for possible exposure to the virus following the outbreak in the Parque del Tamarguillo, on the other side of the city.
Officials stress that not all have had direct risk contact and only those who did will undergo strict follow-up.
READ MORE: What is avian flu and can it spread to humans?
At the Alcazar, maintenance staff found the bodies of an adult female peacock and a duck on Wednesday morning.
Both were removed under biosecurity protocols for necropsy and sample testing, with incineration afterwards. Laboratory results are expected within 48 hours.
Until the cause of death is confirmed, the gardens will remain shut, meaning the cancellation of the popular Noches en los Jardines del Alcazar cultural programme.
The closure comes despite recent testing in July and August which returned negative results for avian flu in the Alcazar’s bird population.
The monument has long struggled with overpopulation of ornamental species, with a July census recording 27 peafowl and 122 ducks, numbers above recommended levels.
In recent months, 32 birds were relocated to the Cañada de los Pajaros wildlife reserve to reduce pressure on the site’s environment and heritage.
Meanwhile, at Miraflores park, three geese were found dead on Wednesday. The park has also been closed temporarily, while municipal staff remove the birds and coordinate with the Junta de Andalucía to determine next steps.
The Tamarguillo outbreak, confirmed last week, continues to escalate with three more geese dying, bringing the toll there to 71 birds.
Authorities also reported more than 20 dead ducks and geese at the Centro de Educación Ambiental in Miraflores, where visitors have been warned to avoid the area.
The city council says it has reinforced surveillance across all parks, particularly around ponds and lakes, while maintaining ‘permanent coordination’ with the Junta’s environment, health and agriculture departments.
Officials are awaiting final test results to determine whether the strain involved is highly pathogenic, which would trigger additional measures.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
