Portugal has reported two new cases of avian flu in the districts of Lisbon and Aveiro, stated the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV).
The DGAV confirmed an avian flu outbreak in the municipality of Murtosa, Aveiro, affecting an unidentified species of seagull.
Another outbreak was detected in Torres Vedras, Lisbon, at a commercial fattening turkey farm.
Both outbreaks are of the H5N1 subtype, which has been the most prevalent in the country.
Since the beginning of the year, Portugal has confirmed 46 avian flu outbreaks.
Seven outbreaks have been detected in Torres Vedras since November alone.
On Tuesday, the European Commission announced 120 new cases of avian flu on farms across member states and the United Kingdom.
Outbreaks were specifically noted in Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.
Human transmission of the virus is rare, with occasional cases reported worldwide. However, when it occurs, infection can result in severe illness.
The DGAV warned of the “high risk of spread” of avian flu and mandated the confinement of domestic birds across the mainland territory.
Additionally, it banned the holding of fairs, markets, exhibitions, and contests of poultry and caged birds.
In protection and surveillance zones, the movement of birds from establishments in these areas, the restocking of game bird species, fairs, markets, exhibitions, and the transport of fresh meat from slaughterhouses or game handling establishments are prohibited.
The movement of eggs for human consumption and animal by-products obtained from birds held in establishments located in these areas is also prohibited.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had already urged European Union (EU) countries to step up security measures against avian flu following alerts of new outbreaks.
