New outbreak of bird flu detected in Portugal
The DGAV announced that a new outbreak of bird flu was detected in Portugal, that there was an exploration in the turkey house, in Óbidos, Leiria district, and the contingency plan was activated.
In a statement, the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) indicated that “a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (GAAP) has been confirmed by the National Agricultural Research Institute, in turkey exploration, in Óbidos.”
In early December, an outbreak of bird flu had already been detected on a farm in Palmela, Setúbal.
The contingency plan has already been activated and control measures are being implemented, namely, the inspection of the site and the “elimination of affected animals”.
Livestock holdings in the protection and surveillance zones around the focus of infection were also inspected.
According to the same note, the holders of the holdings were compensated for the slaughter of the animals.
The DGAV recalled that there is no evidence that avian flu is transmitted to humans through the consumption of food, such as poultry meat or eggs.
“The origin of the disease is a regular migration of wild birds in Europe, coming from Asia and eastern Russia, which has allowed the viral circulation and its transmission over long distances”, he added.
Given the “current epidemiological situation”, a DGAV argues that it is important to comply with biosafety rules, as well as good poultry production practices, avoiding contacts between domestic and wild birds.
Hygiene procedures for facilities, equipment and materials must be followed and a “daily and attentive” observation of poultry, including consumption of water, food and production rates, must be maintained.
“It should be remembered that operators who keep poultry or birds in captivity are the first due to the health status of the animals held by them and, in case of any suspicion of disease, it must be immediately communicated to the DGAV. Early detection of outbreaks of infection by highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (GAAP) is absolutely essential for the rapid and effective implementation in the field of disease control measures thus preventing its spread”, he concluded.
DGAV is a central state administration service, with autonomy.