Azores considered Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease-free zone, highlights Regional Government - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food welcomed today that the Autonomous Region of the Azores continues to be an Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD) free zone.

António Ventura spoke in reaction to notice no. 6 issued by the Directorate-General of Food and Veterinary, which has been in force since April 27, determining the areas affected by EHD and designating the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira as EHD-free zones.

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) is a viral disease affecting ruminants, especially cattle and wild deer, with vector transmission (by mosquitoes), which is included in the list of compulsorily notifiable diseases of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The affected area consists of a radius of 150 kilometres around the outbreaks, which in the case of Mainland Portugal has extended to the entire territory. In the affected areas, movement to other Member States or areas considered free, such as the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, is restricted.

The entomological surveillance plans that began in 2024 in the Food and Veterinary Service Directorates of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (DSAVRLVT) and Alentejo (DSAVRAL) made it possible to establish a vector-free period. However, the rise in temperatures and the results of the entomological plan indicate the end of the insect vector-free season.

In the case of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the Secretary for Agriculture praised its status as a free zone, as "this disease would cause unpredictable damage that would have a severe impact on the regional economy."

"This status as a DHE-free zone is the result of joint work between the Regional Government and the Azores Agricultural Federation, which promptly established measures to prevent the disease from spreading to the Autonomous Region of the Azores," emphasised António Ventura. 

"As with several other diseases, this is more than just a designation, it is evidence of our commitment to the highest health standards and practices, institutional cooperation and the dedication of all parties involved," he said.

"Commitment to innovation, research and constant adaptation to epidemiological changes are imperative to maintain and raise the standards that now make us stand out. In this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to national and Community cooperation and knowledge sharing, acknowledging that health challenges have no borders," he said.