The import requests for chicken and related products from areas experiencing avian flu outbreaks will not be approved, stated the Macao Municipal Affairs Institute (IAM).
In a statement, the IAM pledged to “continue to rigorously control the fresh foods imported and sold in Macao through an effective inspection and quarantine import mechanism.”
On Thursday, the neighboring region of Hong Kong also announced a ban “to protect public health,” following a notification from the World Organization for Animal Health.
According to official data referenced in the statement, Hong Kong did not import poultry meat or products from Portugal in the first half of 2025.
The Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) noted in a statement that it has already contacted Portuguese authorities and will closely monitor the situation and information issued by the World Organization for Animal Health.
“Appropriate measures will be taken in response to the situation’s development,” it noted.
Avian flu was detected at a duck farm in Benavente, Santarém district, announced the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) on Wednesday, specifying that the animals were culled.
“A new outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus infection was confirmed at a duck farm in Santo Estêvão,” stated the DGAV.
This month saw outbreaks also detected in Olhão, Aveiro, Alcácer do Sal, and Costa de Caparica.
Control and eradication measures have been implemented, including site inspection where the disease was detected, culling of infected animals, and cleaning and disinfection of the facilities.
Restrictions on movement have been imposed and poultry farms within the restriction zones (within a 10-kilometer radius around the outbreak) are being monitored.
The DGAV has again urged all bird owners to adhere to biosecurity measures and good production practices, avoiding contact between domestic and wild birds.
The transmission of the H5N1 virus to humans is rare, with sporadic cases reported worldwide. However, when it occurs, the infection can lead to severe clinical outcomes.
