Bird Flu detected in a Viana do Castelo farm
A ban on circulation of poultry meat and eggs has been imposed in 26 parishes in northern Portugal.
Bird flu was detected in a home farm of poultry animals, in Chafé, district of Viana do Castelo, announced the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary (DGAV).
Despite the latest registered cases, Portugal's health status remains unchanged, that is, the country continues to be considered free of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (GAAP).
The affected animals were slaughtered and farms with birds in the protection zone (within a radius of three kilometers around the outbreak) and surveillance zone (10 kilometers) were inspected.
The DGAV clarified that there is no evidence that bird flu is transmitted to humans through the consumption of foods such as meat and eggs.
Any suspicion of infection with the bird flu virus must be immediately reported to the DGAV, so that disease control measures can be implemented.
Early last week, bird flu was confirmed in seagulls collected on the beaches of Espinho, Aveiro, and between the beaches of Vieira de Leiria and Pedrógão, in Leiria.
Previously this summer, bird flu cases in seagulls had also been reported in the districts of Aveiro and Faro.
Ban on poultry circulation
On Tuesday, the DGAV imposed a ban in the circulation of poultry meat and eggs for human consumption in 26 parishes until September 15.
Among the limitations imposed is the movement of birds, eggs, as well as the holding of fairs, markets, exhibitions and other gatherings of birds.
Anha, Castelo do Neiva, Chafé and São Romão de Neiva were the parishes of Viana do Castelo placed "under protection", while another 13 parishes in that municipality were "under surveillance", as were five parishes in Esposende and four in Barcelos ( in the district of Braga).
The parishes of Viana do Castelo "under surveillance" are Areosa, Santa Marta de Portuzelo, Vila Franca, Vila de Punhe, Barroselas and Carvoeiro, Mazarefes and Vila Fria, Santa Maria Maior and Monserrate and Miadela, Darque, Cardielos and Serreleis, Perre, Mujães, Subportela, Deocriste and Portela Susã, and Alvarães.
In Esposende, the affected parishes are Forjães, Esposende, Marinhas and Gandra, Antas, Belinho and Mar, and Vila Chã.
In Barcelos, the parishes of Fragoso, Aldreu, Palme, Durrães and Tregosa are at stake.
The restrictions, which are the same for all parishes, also cover the holding of "fairs, markets, exhibitions and other gatherings of detained birds", as well as the "movement of detained birds to establishments" located there; or the "repopulation of game birds".