NDCC Newcastle Disease Update No. 1 of 2026
- NDCC Newcastle Disease Update No. 1 of 2026 (pdf 381Kb)
- Newcastle Disease (ND) has been reported in poultry in several northern European countries (Germany, Poland and Lithuania) and in Spain in the south.
- The latest case in Spain occurred in a farm that had been properly vaccinated against the disease. The origin of the infection is currently being investigated.
- Prophylactic vaccination is recommended for commercial poultry, though, as seen in Spain, no vaccine is 100% effective. Effective biosecurity practices are vital to prevent disease incursions into a naïve flock.
- Ireland is currently free from ND, with the last known case seen in 1997.
- The clinical picture for ND is similar for that of Avian Influenza, so laboratory testing is vital to confirm diagnosis.
BE VIGILANT FOR THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF NOTIFIABLE AVIAN DISEASES IN YOUR FLOCK
Biosecurity is the single most effective way to prevent the ND virus spreading from wild birds into poultry or between poultry flocks.
The ongoing risk posed by avian influenza and Newcastle disease is a reminder to all who keep poultry, whether commercial holdings or those who have some backyard hens, to stay aware and take precautions to prevent contact with or contamination from wild birds.