Wild birds in Costa da Caparica test positive for avian flu
The Portuguese authorities have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu in a domestic chicken coop located in the union of the parishes of Alcácer do Sal and Santa Susana, Setúbal District. This coop housed chickens, hens, ducks, and turkeys [1].
To control the spread, the affected animals were culled, and the area was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Poultry farms within a 10-kilometer restriction zone around the outbreak site are under continuous surveillance [1].
The Portuguese Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) has emphasized the importance of strict biosecurity measures, including preventing contact between domestic and wild birds and reinforcing hygiene procedures for facilities, equipment, and materials to help stop further transmission [1].
This outbreak coincides with ongoing avian influenza cases detected in wild birds along the Portuguese coast and across Europe, highlighting the persistent circulation of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the region [1][2].
In a separate incident, a focus in the Setúbal area was identified in a yellow-legged gull, but details about the affected animals and the measures taken were not immediately available [2].
The DGAV has warned about the "persistent circulation" of the avian flu virus and has advised farms with birds in the restricted zones, up to 10 kilometers around the focus in Setúbal, to remain under surveillance [3]. Hygiene procedures for installations, equipment, and materials should be reinforced to prevent the spread of the virus [3].
The bird flu outbreak in Portugal serves as a reminder for all poultry farmers to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures and good production practices to protect their livestock and prevent the spread of the virus.
Sources: [1] DGAV (2022). Official statement on bird flu outbreak in Setúbal [2] RTP (2022). Bird flu detected in a yellow-legged gull in Setúbal [3] DGAV (2022). Advice for poultry farms in the restricted zone
In light of the ongoing avian influenza cases detected in wild birds across Europe, it's crucial to prioritize health-and-wellness practices in poultry farms, as advised by the DGAV. Strict biosecurity measures, such as preventing contact between domestic and wild birds and reinforcing hygiene procedures, will help stop the spread of the virus in environmental-science and medical-conditions.
