Portugal is currently facing 44 confirmed outbreaks this year alone.
In Torres Vedras, an outbreak was detected at a commercial duck fattening farm in the parish of Campelos e Outeiro da Cabeça.
An outbreak was also confirmed at a commercial chicken farm in the parish of A-dos-Cunhados e Macieira, where two more cases had already been identified in recent days.
Since November, six outbreaks have been detected in Torres Vedras.
Bird flu has also affected a turtle dove (wild bird) in Albufeira, Faro district.
All these outbreaks are of the H5N1 subtype, which has been the most frequent in Portugal.
Transmission of the virus to humans is rare, with sporadic cases reported worldwide. However, when it occurs, the infection can lead to severe illness.
The DGAV has warned of the “high risk of dissemination” of avian flu and has mandated the confinement of domestic birds across the mainland territory.
Additionally, it has prohibited the holding of fairs, markets, exhibitions, and competitions involving poultry and captive birds.
In protection and surveillance zones, it is prohibited to move birds from establishments located there, restock game bird species, hold fairs, markets, and exhibitions, and transport fresh meat from slaughterhouses or game-handling facilities.
The movement of eggs for human consumption and animal by-products derived from confined birds in these areas is also prohibited.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had already urged European Union (EU) countries to strengthen security measures against bird flu, following alerts of new outbreaks.
