New outbreak of bird flu detected in Portugal | Agrifood
ONE General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine (GDAV) announced that a new outbreak of bird flu was detected in Portugal, which occurred in a homemade turkey farm, in Óbidos, district of Leiria, having activated the contingency plan.
In a statement, the DGAV indicated that “a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (GAAP) has been confirmed by the National Institute of Agricultural Research, 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 “disposal of affected animals”.
Livestock holdings in the protection and surveillance zones around the source 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 recalls 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 complied with, and a “daily and attentive” observation of poultry must be maintained, including consumption of water, food and production rates.
“It should be remembered that operators who keep poultry or birds in captivity are primarily responsible for the health status of the animals they hold and, in the event of any suspicion of disease, it must be immediately reported to the DGAV. The early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (GAAP) outbreaks is absolutely essential for a rapid and effective implementation in the field of disease control measures, thus preventing its spread”, he concluded.
The DGAV is a central service of the State’s direct administration, with autonomy.