Portugal has confirmed 40 outbreaks of avian flu since the start of the year.

The outbreak was confirmed in the parish of A-dos-Cunhados and Macieira.

Earlier in November, two outbreaks were detected in Torres Vedras — one in a domestic coop and another in a commercial turkey fattening farm.

The DGAV has issued an alert regarding the “high risk of dissemination” of avian flu, enforcing the confinement of domestic birds across the mainland.

It has also banned fairs, markets, exhibitions, and contests involving poultry and captive birds.

In protection and surveillance zones, the movement of birds from establishments located in these areas, the restocking of game birds, fairs, markets, exhibitions, and the movement of fresh meat from slaughterhouses or game handling establishments are prohibited.

The movement of eggs for human consumption and animal by-products sourced from birds detained at establishments in these areas is also prohibited.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had previously urged European Union (EU) countries to strengthen safety measures against bird flu following alerts about new outbreaks.

The transmission of the virus to humans is rare, with sporadic cases reported worldwide. However, when it occurs, the infection can lead to severe clinical conditions.