Public Services
Azores ban wild rabbit hunting on the western side of São Miguel due to viral disease
The regional government has prohibited wild rabbit hunting and the release of hunting dogs on the western side of São Miguel island for the 2026/2027 hunting season due to an outbreak of Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (VHD). The ban takes effect on October 15, 2026, and remains in place until the disease is considered extinct and its impact on local populations has been evaluated. Specific agricultural crop protection measures may still be authorized in localized cases.
Why it mattersIf you are a hunter in the western part of São Miguel, this ban applies to you from October 15, 2026, and you must avoid hunting or releasing dogs in the defined area until further notice.
