“Given the sharp increase in the number of confirmed outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection and its wide geographical distribution in Europe, the risk of the disease spreading between wild and domestic birds is currently high,” it warned in a statement.

The total number of outbreaks detected this year in Portugal is 31.

The DGAV stressed that the vast majority of outbreaks in domestic birds originate from contact with wild birds, requesting the reinforcement of biosecurity measures.

Domestic birds in establishments located in high-risk areas, including domestic poultry farms and captive birds, must be kept in captivity.

In protected and monitored areas, the movement of birds, the restocking of game species, fairs, markets and exhibitions, the movement of fresh meat and eggs for incubation and human consumption, as well as the movement of animal by-products, are prohibited.

The DGAV (Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary) specified that all violations of these rules will be punished.

At the beginning of the month, avian influenza was again confirmed in the districts of Aveiro and Santarém.

The 2025 edition of Avisan – the National Exhibition of Birds, Companion Animals, Equipment and Accessories, in Santarém, was cancelled due to the worsening health situation caused by avian influenza, announced CNEMA (National Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development).

The event, which was scheduled to take place between November 29 and December 1, has been suspended "due to the exceptional conditions and the climate of uncertainty in the coming weeks," said the Board of Directors of the National Center for Exhibitions and Agricultural Markets (CNEMA) in a statement.

Any suspicion of avian influenza infection should be reported to the DGAV.