Azores bans pigeon hunting and bird fairs due to Newcastle disease

The Azores regional government has implemented an indefinite ban on pigeon hunting and bird fairs following the detection of the Newcastle disease virus in wild birds, specifically in the Eurasian collared dove and rock pigeon.

António Ventura, the Secretary of Agriculture and Food, stated that the ban on hunting rock pigeons is intended to prevent transmission and potential infection through food, as pigeons are used in human consumption. While the disease poses a “low risk” to humans, it is highly contagious among birds and can significantly impact the productivity of domestic poultry producers.

In addition to the hunting and market bans, the government has prohibited imports from areas where the disease has been identified. Precautionary measures have been issued for poultry farmers and the general public, including recommendations to use protective equipment, report abnormal bird mortality, and bury carcasses at significant depths. Authorities also advised individuals to avoid touching their eyes or nose after handling birds.