Bird flu has been detected in seagulls collected on the beaches of Espinho, Aveiro and between the beaches of Vieira de Leiria and Pedrogão in Leiria, the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV) announced on Tuesday.
“Two new cases of infection with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 have been confirmed in seagulls collected on the beaches of Espinho in Aveiro and between the beaches of Vieira de Leiria and Pedrogão in Marinha Grande, Leiria,” reads the note from the DGAV.
There are no registered poultry farming enterprises near the bird collection sites.
Earlier this month, cases were reported in the districts of Aveiro and Faro.
The DGAV once again called for increased security and surveillance measures and for notification of mortality of domestic and wild birds.
On the other hand, it has already called for stricter hygiene procedures for premises, equipment and materials, as well as “strict control” of access to areas where birds are kept.
Contact with sick or dead birds should be avoided.
The DGAV is a central service of direct government administration with administrative autonomy.