Focus of Newcastle disease detected in Moita. Birds have been slaughtered

Uthe outbreak of Newcastle disease, a viral infection of mandatory declaration affecting birds, was detected in a pombal in the municipality of Moita, in the district of Setúbal, and the birds were slaughtered, the municipality reported today.

In a statement, the Municipality of Moita explains that the outbreak of disease in a pombal located in the Union of Freguesias de Baixa da Bath and Vale da Amoreira, was confirmed laboratoryly, having the preventive slaughter operation of birds of the affected zone occurred on Monday.

This field slaughter operation, the Moita City Council, was conducted in an articulated manner between the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV), the Municipal Veterinary Office and the Municipal Civil Protection Service of Moita (SMPC).

“The goal is to contain and eradicate the virus: Newcastle disease is highly contagious among birds. Preventive slaughter and strict compliance with health standards are mandatory and crucial measures to prevent the spread of the disease to other herds in the municipality and the region ", stresses the municipality.

The Moita City Council adds that protection zone is created within a three-kilometre radius and surveillance area, within a 10-kilometre radius, around the focus detected, where temporary restrictions are applied to the movement of birds and derived products.

The protection zone (a radius of three kilometres) covers several parishes of neighboring municipalities, including areas of Barreiro, Moita, Seixal, Alcochete and Almada.

The surveillance zone (a 10-kilometre radius) covers a wider perimeter including areas of the municipalities of Moita, Barreiro, Montijo, Palmela, Seixal, Sesimbra, Setúbal and Lisbon.

In these perimeters, the Authority explains, strict temporary prohibitions apply, in particular the movement of kept birds and eggs (for incubation or consumption) from and for establishments located in these areas.

Fairs, markets, exhibitions or any other gatherings of birds are also temporarily prohibited and there are restrictions on the movement of fresh meat and poultry products from slaughterhouses in the area.

Bird holders are advised to reinforce biosecurity measures in their doves and capoeiras, preventing contact with wild birds and immediately reporting to DGAV any abnormal increase in mortality, disease symptoms or production breakdowns.

“ We count on the collaboration of all to protect animal health in our county”.

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection affecting several species of birds (including poultry, pigeons and wild birds), which is a mandatory disease.