Spain has confirmed its first case of the lethal H5N1 strain of bird flu.

The virus was detected in a great crested grebe that was found dead in the northern province of Alava, the agriculture ministry said.

The Spanish authorities said there was no reason for alarm, and that the case should not affect poultry consumption.

H5N1 has spread to birds in many European countries. The virus has killed more than 130 people since 2003 - mostly in East Asia.

'No reason for alarm'

Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega said the case was "strictly veterinary" and would not affect people.


A key migratory route from Africa passes through Spain

"I would like to make clear to citizens that there is no reason for alarm or for changing habits in our daily life," she said.

A sample from the bird, found in a marshes in Salburua lake near the city of Vitoria, was sent to a laboratory on Thursday.

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