Lisboa, 29 dez 2025 (Lusa) - Bird flu has been detected on a commercial farm in Santarém and in a wild bird in Vila Real, bringing the number of confirmed cases this year to 54, according to the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV).

According to the latest data released by the DGAV, an outbreak of bird flu was confirmed on a commercial laying hen farm in Tomar, in the district of Santarém, and another in a yellow-legged gull (wild bird) in Vila Real.

The subtype identified was H5N1, the most common in Portugal.

Since the beginning of the year, Portugal has had 54 cases of the disease.

This month alone, 14 outbreaks have been detected, four of which in Santarém.

Transmission of the virus to humans is rare, with sporadic cases reported worldwide. However, when it does occur, the infection can lead to serious clinical symptoms.

The DGAV has warned of the "high risk of spread" of avian influenza and has ordered the confinement of domestic birds across the mainland.

On the other hand, it has banned fairs, markets, exhibitions and competitions involving poultry and captive birds.

In protection and surveillance zones, the movement of birds from establishments located there, the restocking of game bird species, fairs, markets and exhibitions, and the movement of fresh meat from slaughterhouses or game handling establishments are prohibited.

The movement of eggs for human consumption and animal by-products obtained from birds held in establishments located in these areas is also prohibited.

PE/ADB // ADB.

Lusa