The General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine confirmed laboratory-wise the presence of Newcastle disease in wild birds on the Azorean islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa and Pico. The affected species are the rock pigeon and the collared dove, as announced by the regional director of Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and Food, Luís Estrela, during a press conference held in Angra do Heroísmo. The Azores are still awaiting results from the National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research for the islands of Faial and Santa Maria, where similar symptoms were observed, but without laboratory confirmation to date.
The first notification of abnormal mortality of wild birds was received at the beginning of July, with 134 records having been made in nine parishes. Of these, 17 resulted in positive confirmation for Newcastle disease. The authorities are also researching the presence of avian influenza, but all known results have been negative. The epidemiological study on the entry of the virus into the archipelago is still ongoing, with the most considered hypothesis being the arrival of an infected wild bird, having ruled out the possibility of poisoning.
So far, no cases have been identified in poultry, with all analyses carried out on these birds showing negative results. The main concern of the authorities is to prevent the transmission of the virus to poultry farms, which have received recommendations to reinforce protection measures. The risk to the human population is considered very low, human infection being rare and generally associated with direct unprotected contact with infected birds.
DGAV recommended that breeders keep their birds' vaccination up to date, reinforce cleaning and disinfection of facilities, and protect water and food from contact with wild birds. Rock pigeon hunting has been prohibited on all islands since August 13, and any abnormal mortality accompanied by respiratory, digestive or neurological signs must be reported to the official veterinary services. Anyone who finds a sick or dead bird should not touch it, and the occurrence should be reported to the Agricultural Development Service of the respective island or the SOS Ambiente hotline.
