A case of suspected bird ‘flu in a grey heron (Ardea Cinerea) was confirmed on Tuesday in the Algarve. The bird had been found dead in Ludo, Almancil and was taken for tests.
The alert level has been raised and "protection and surveillance measures in the Algarve region have been strengthened," according to the Food and Veterinary Office.
Poultry owners must not move their animals for security reasons, in particular to prevent new cases. Pidgeon fanciers must keep their urges in check and their stock in cages.
The trade in poultry and other birds in rural markets has been suspended.
The DGAV assures the public that despite the ‘flu being easily passed from bird to bird, there has been no case so far in a human.
The confirmed case has been reported to the European Authorities and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The relevant authorities in Portugal have been advised and the General Directorate for Food and Veterinary Affairs is operating a surveillance system on domestic poultry in the Algarve region and will issue updates if there is any instance of the disease spreading.
See also: FluTracker.com
