The duck pond in Elche City Park is now surrounded by a protective fence to prevent the risk of bird flu. Photo credit: Alexander Sobol / Shutterstock
Amid increasing international concerns about bird flu, the Elche City Council has begun reinforcing the well-known duck pond in the Parque Municipal through a series of preventive measures.
Temporary fencing and protective overhead netting are currently being installed around the water to prevent wild birds from entering the space and potentially spreading the virus to the resident duck population. The initiative reflects a cautious but proactive approach by the authorities.
Clear and responsible prevention measures
José Antonio Román, Councilor for the Environment, emphasized that the ducks in the city park are currently doing well and there is no cause for concern.
Nevertheless, the Council believes it is important to reduce risks wherever possible. The temporary fence was designed so that visitors maintain a distance of at least three meters from the edge of the pond. This distance not only limits unnecessary disturbance to animals, but also reduces the potential risk of transmission between people, domestic animals and wildlife.
At the same time, the installation of the overhead line network will begin. This net is designed to prevent wild birds from landing in the pond or interacting with the ducks. This is an important measure to prevent contamination from species that travel long distances and could be exposed to the virus elsewhere.
Guide for the public
In addition to the physical measures, Román also reminded the public: Do not feed the ducks. Although feeding is often well-intentioned, it can attract wild birds looking for an easy meal, inadvertently increasing the risks the council is trying to minimize.
He also encouraged residents who keep pet birds on private property to register and microchip them, which will improve traceability and strengthen overall biosecurity.
Alertness without alarm
No cases of bird flu have been detected in the city park and in nearby natural areas such as “El Hondo” or “Clot de Galvany”. However, the Council remains on alert. Should a sick or dead bird be found, rapid testing and containment protocols would be activated immediately.
The Council emphasizes that these measures are preventive, not reactive, and are intended to reassure rather than alarm the community. By implementing sensible precautions, Elche aims to stay one step ahead of a potential threat – ensuring the safety of its green spaces and ensuring that the park's beloved ducks remain healthy and well-protected.