The African Union Mission in Somalia / Wikimedia
European authority warns that more effort is needed to combat threats. Here, there are two more confirmed outbreaks.
Portugal records two more outbreaks of bird flu: on commercial duck and chicken farms in Torres Vedras, and in a wild bird, in Albufeira.
These new foci are all of the subtype H5N1, which has been the most frequent in Portugal.
The Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) has been warning that the risk of spreading bird flu is, at the moment, high, and called for the adoption of security measures.
The European Center for Disease Control warned this Friday that European countries that must intensify efforts to combat the threat of bird flu, at a time when outbreaks have increased in Europe.
The center argues that early detection and preparedness are essential to prevent bird flu from becoming a greater threat to human health.
A Bird flu is on the rise among wild birds and poultry farms and, since September, more than 1,400 infections have been detected in at least 26 European countries, four times more than a year ago and the highest level since 2016.
Questions and answers
The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds sent ZAP a list of 10 useful questions and answers about bird flu.
Is the situation worse?
Compared to other years, yes, there are more outbreaks of infection. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has declared an “Unprecedented level of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe during bird migration in autumn 2025”.
Is it worrying for people?
There is no epidemiological evidence that avian influenza can be transmitted to humans through the consumption of food, particularly poultry meat and eggs. But some strains of bird flu viruses can infect humans – but there would have to be very close contact between infected birds and people or between birds and other animals.
Species most affected?
In Portugal it has been seagulls, with some cases confirmed in herons and ducks, or storks and gannets.
Most problematic regions of the country?
Coastal areas and estuaries, where there are large concentrations of seabirds, particularly seagulls – but outbreaks of bird flu can appear throughout the country.
Is it safe to walk and watch birds?
In estuaries, coastal areas and wetlands (where bird flu is most likely)? Yes. Everyone can enjoy it, with care and responsibility.
What do you do if you see a bird that doesn’t look healthy?
Contact SEPNA/GNR, Rede SOS Vida Selvagem, Linha SOS Ambiente, the nearest recovery center or ICNF. Do not handle the bird and wait for authorized teams to collect and transport it. Avoid direct contact with wild birds, especially those found dying or dead.
What to do if you see a dead bird?
Do not touch the bird, feathers or waste. Never take sick or dead birds home, and never let children or pets near dead or symptomatic birds. Note the location as accurately as possible. Recording photographs, locations and dates helps a lot in cross-referencing field information and identifying areas where the virus is most active.
Does bird flu threaten species with extinction?
Mortality caused by avian influenza over recent years is already significant in some seabird populations, such as the gannet and the black-billed tern.
Relationship with climate change?
There is increasing evidence that changes in the migration patterns of wild birds as a result of climate change, the concentration of birds in places with strong human pressure and changes in ecosystems can facilitate the circulation of viruses such as avian flu. It is the combination of climate, land use, intensification of production and animal movements.
What is the role of SPEA in these situations?
SPEA is not the competent authority for the collection, analysis and treatment of birds, nor for determining control measures. But SPEA teams and their partners and volunteers are always alert to situations such as bird flu.
