The work activities and environment of people working or living on farms now occupy a prominent place in the epidemic control strategy, as the inclusion of these data in the medical history can facilitate the early detection of possible disease outbreaks. This was warned by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) when it called for strengthening health surveillance and preparing the health system for the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. As reported in the media, experts recommend deepening two lines of action in primary care: improving detection in at-risk populations and strengthening training of staff to detect emerging pathologies, especially in areas close to livestock farms.
The semFYC emphasized through Dr. Javier Arranz, spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Working Group, said both surveillance and the ability to respond quickly are essential to prevent outbreaks from becoming serious health crises. Arranz noted that defined criteria and robust coordination systems allow professionals to make quick decisions based on solid fundamentals. This preparation is supported by the systematization of risk information in consultations, such as professional activity or the patient environment, as well as by access to updated training programs, as reported by semFYC.
According to information collected by semFYC, primary care teams near livestock farms require special attention. The organization recommends that these centers receive specialized training to detect pathologies that may initially manifest themselves in an unusual way, which could complicate diagnosis if there is insufficient training. Arranz explained that many of these early-stage diseases can be mistaken for rare diseases, which is why there is an urgent need to raise awareness and provide professionals with diagnostic tools.
In the current scenario where threats from different origins are converging, semFYC emphasized the importance of strengthening information channels for citizens. Dr. Arranz claimed that clear knowledge and self-care would enable the public to recognize when to contact the healthcare system and reduce unnecessary risks. “Clear information and self-care are essential tools for citizens to recognize when consultation is necessary and avoid unnecessary exposure,” Arranz is quoted by the media as saying. He also stressed that individual responsibility contributes to efforts to stop disease transmission and protect the most vulnerable groups.
According to the latest European Union data collected by semFYC, bird flu remains under close observation. Between September 6 and November 28, 2025, 2,896 episodes of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus were reported in wild birds in 29 European countries, a significant increase compared to previous seasons. Of these cases, 94 were in Spain. The increase in recordings is attributed to two factors: the spread of birds that have not previously been exposed to the virus and the emergence of an A(H5N1) variant with greater transmission capacity.
The media also explained that despite the increase in bird flu outbreaks, there is no evidence to support sustained human-to-human transmission, a requirement considered essential for assessing the risk of a pandemic. In the case of the H7 virus, which has high transmissibility and clinical severity, the semFYC emphasized that active foci are still found in Chinese regions where poultry farms and migratory bird routes coincide. The above experts point out that only a large-scale genetic leap could change the current situation regarding contagion between people.
Regarding dengue fever, the media reported that despite its widespread vector spread, it is not classified as an international pandemic threat. The National Epidemiology Center of the Carlos III Health Institute noted that cases in Spain have reached historic highs over the past three years, with 1,119 reports in 2024.
The semFYC recommendations include strengthening surveillance protocols in high-risk contexts, promoting ongoing training in primary care centers, and providing information to the population to improve early detection of symptoms. The media stressed that the preparation of health workers is a key element in the face of zoonotic diseases and other emerging infections such as bird flu, H7 virus and dengue fever.
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