A new outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed at a duck fattening farm in the parish of Santo Estêvão, municipality of Benavente, within the district of Santarém, the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) announced.
Control measures have been implemented, including the culling of infected animals, site inspection, and subsequent cleaning and disinfection.
Restrictions have been placed on movements in farms housing birds within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak site.
The DGAV urged all bird owners to adhere to biosecurity measures and best production practices to prevent contact between domestic and wild birds.
Any suspected avian flu infections should be reported to the DGAV.
This month, outbreaks have also been detected in Olhão, Aveiro, Alcácer do Sal, and Costa da Caparica.
Human transmission of the virus occurs rarely, with sporadic cases reported globally. However, when it does happen, the infection can lead to severe illnesses.
The DGAV is a central service of the direct administration of the State, possessing administrative autonomy.
