21 Oct 2025

Newcastle disease returns to Poland’s poultry sector

Poland has reported a new commercial outbreak of Newcastle disease (ND), marking a concerning development in the country’s ongoing battle against avian pathogens.

David Corredor

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Poland has reported a new commercial outbreak of Newcastle disease (ND), marking a concerning development in the country’s ongoing battle against avian pathogens. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the latest case was confirmed on October 11, 2025, in a broiler flock located in Wólka Kliczewska. The affected farm housed approximately 147,737 broilers, of which 2,500 succumbed to the disease. The remaining birds were culled as part of containment efforts.

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection caused by avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1).
It affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems of birds, often leading to high mortality rates, especially in unvaccinated flocks.
While ND does not pose a direct threat to human health or food safety, its economic impact on poultry production is substantial.

The outbreak in Wólka Kliczewska is the first reported case since August 2025, breaking a brief period of apparent containment. Since September 2024, Poland has recorded over 50 ND outbreaks in commercial poultry operations, underscoring the persistent threat the disease poses to the industry.

In response to the latest incident, Polish veterinary authorities have implemented strict control measures. These include zoning, movement restrictions, enhanced surveillance, disinfection protocols, and the official disposal of carcasses and waste. These actions aim to prevent further spread and protect surrounding poultry farms.

The resurgence of ND comes at a time when Poland is also grappling with other animal health challenges, including African swine fever (ASF), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and bluetongue virus. The cumulative burden of these diseases is straining veterinary resources and threatening the stability of Poland’s livestock sectors.

Poland, a leading poultry producer in the European Union, faces mounting pressure to enhance biosecurity and disease monitoring.
Earlier in 2025, authorities mandated ND vaccination for all commercial poultry, yet outbreaks continue to occur, even in vaccinated flocks.
This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies that combine vaccination with rigorous farm management and biosecurity enforcement.

As international markets monitor the situation closely, trade implications may follow. Several countries have previously imposed restrictions on Polish poultry exports due to ND outbreaks. Continued vigilance and transparent reporting will be essential to maintaining consumer confidence and safeguarding Poland’s poultry industry.