Lisbon, Aug. 19, 2025 (Lusa) - Bird flu has been detected in a wild bird in Olhão, bringing the number of confirmed outbreaks this year to 20, according to data from the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV).

The outbreak was confirmed this Monday in the parish of Quelfes, in the municipality of Olhão, in Faro, in a curlew, a wild bird from the duck family.

Last week, bird flu was detected in wild birds in the parishes of Gafanha de Encarnação and Gafanha da Nazaré, in the Aveiro district.

Earlier this month, outbreaks of infection had already been confirmed in Alcácer do Sal and Costa da Caparica.

At the time, the DGAV warned of the ‘persistent circulation’ of the bird flu virus and once again called for biosecurity measures and good production practices to be complied with.

Contacts between domestic and wild birds should therefore be avoided and hygiene procedures for facilities, equipment and materials should be reinforced.

Transmission of the virus to humans occurs rarely and sporadic cases have been reported around the world. However, when it does occur, the infection can lead to a serious clinical condition.

The DGAV is a central service of the State's direct administration, with administrative autonomy.

PE // JNM 

Lusa/Fim