Azores strengthen surveillance on Newcastle Disease and ban rock dove hunting - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

Following the confirmed circulation of the Newcastle Disease virus in wild birds in the Azores, the Regional Government is strengthening prevention and sanitary surveillance measures. Under Order no. 92/2026 of August 13, hunting rock doves (Columba livia) is banned across all islands of the Region, taking effect on August 14.

Cases of Newcastle Disease virus infection were confirmed in the Autonomous Region of the Azores in wild birds, specifically in Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and rock dove (Columba livia) specimens collected in the archipelago.

Following this detection, the Government of the Azores is stepping up surveillance and prevention measures, calling for the cooperation of bird keepers, poultry establishment operators and the general public.

Newcastle Disease is a viral disease that can affect various species of domestic and wild birds. The circulation of the virus in wild birds represents a risk factor for its introduction into poultry establishments, making it essential to reinforce biosecurity measures and prevent contact between domestic and wild birds.

As a precautionary measure, and considering the need to safeguard local populations from the effects of the disease, Order no. 92/2026 of August 13, issued by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, was published in the Official Journal of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

The Order determines that hunting rock doves (Columba livia) is prohibited across all islands of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, coming into force on August 14, 2026.

The decision also takes into account that the rock dove, as a game species, must not be used for human consumption until the disease is declared eradicated and its effects on local populations are properly assessed.

This measure comes amidst efforts to enhance health protection and monitor the epidemiological situation, safeguarding wild bird populations against the impact of the circulating virus.

Bird keepers and poultry establishment operators must reinforce biosecurity measures—specifically the cleaning and disinfection of facilities, equipment, vehicles and footwear—as well as prevent, as far as possible, direct or indirect contact between domestic and wild birds, ensuring wild birds cannot access feed and water intended for domestic birds.

Reinforced surveillance of the health status of birds is likewise 
recommended, with special attention to the emergence of clinical signs compatible with Newcastle Disease.

Any abnormal mortality or suspected disease must be communicated immediately to the Official Veterinary Services. Birds must also be duly vaccinated, in accordance with the applicable vaccination programme, and their respective vaccination records kept up to date.

Newcastle Disease is a notifiable disease, so the timely communication of any suspicion to the Agricultural Development Services of the respective area is essential to ensure early detection, control and prevention of the spread of the virus.

Unnecessary contact with sick, dying or dead wild birds should be avoided.

Whenever contact with these birds is necessary, appropriate personal protective measures must be used, namely disposable gloves and a mask, avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth, proceeding with thorough hand washing after contact.

The presence of dead, dying or clinically suspect wild birds must be communicated to the Official Veterinary Services, avoiding unnecessary handling of these animals.

Nevertheless, it is important to underline that the risk to the general population is considered low. Human infection with the Newcastle Disease virus is rare and usually occurs following close and direct contact with infected birds or contaminated materials. When it occurs, it generally manifests in a mild form, primarily causing conjunctivitis.

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food underlined that the decision adopted by the Government of the Azores aims to anticipate risks and reinforce animal health protection, while simultaneously delivering a message of reassurance to the population.

“The detection of the Newcastle Disease virus in wild birds requires a responsible, preventive and rigorous response on our part. It was in that sense that we adopted this precautionary measure, temporarily prohibiting rock dove hunting on all islands of the Azores, which will allow us to monitor the evolution of the situation and assess its effects on local populations,” he stressed.

António Ventura called for bird keepers and the population to comply with the guidelines of the veterinary authorities.

“It is essential that we all do our part. We ask bird keepers for a reinforcement of biosecurity measures and permanent surveillance of their flocks. To the population, we ask not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report any suspicious occurrence to the Official Veterinary Services,” he emphasised.

António Ventura also left a message of reassurance: “we are monitoring the situation on a permanent basis and the Official Veterinary Services will maintain epidemiological surveillance. The risk to the general population is low and, at this moment, there is no reason for alarm. Prevention, information and everyone’s collaboration are the best ways to protect animal health and public health in the Azores.”

The Official Veterinary Services will maintain surveillance of the epidemiological situation and provide any guidelines that prove necessary.

The Regional Directorate of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food further warns that, at this stage, fairs, markets, exhibitions and other gatherings of captive birds without authorisation from the competent authority are prohibited.

The Government of the Azores will continue to monitor the evolution of the situation and adopt the measures considered necessary to reinforce the protection of animal health and public health in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.