Spain confirms return of Newcastle Disease after three years

Measures to contain the outbreak

Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), in coordination with regional labs like Cecav and UASA, confirmed the virus via laboratory testing. In response, a series of emergency actions were promptly implemented:

• Mandatory veterinary inspections and immobilisation of affected flocks.
• Enforcement of strict biosecurity measures, including farm shutdowns and culling of infected poultry.
• Establishment of protection and surveillance zones: a 3 km radius around affected farms, plus a 10 km buffer encompassing additional operations.
• Vaccination campaigns for birds within the restriction zones.

Loss of Newcastle-Free status

With these confirmed cases, Spain has officially lost its status as a Newcastle disease–free country. The last known outbreaks occurred in 2022 in Andalusia’s Almería region, making this resurgence particularly noteworthy. The situation highlights vulnerabilities in disease surveillance, biosecurity, and the need for heightened vigilance.

Risk to poultry industry and public health

Although Newcastle Disease poses no significant threat to human health, it is lethal to birds and can cause major economic disruptions. Outbreaks often lead to high mortality rates among poultry, rising operational costs, and potential fluctuations in poultry supply and pricing. Wild birds are considered a primary vector for the virus, underscoring the importance of strengthened preventive measures on farms.

What lies ahead

Spanish authorities are continuing intensified monitoring, with daily surveillance of farms and tested environments. The National Committee for Veterinary Sanitary Affairs (RASVE) recently convened to assess risks and coordinate further measures.

Key ongoing initiatives include:

• Tracing epidemiological links to manage or eliminate infection chains.
• Enhanced cooperation between national, regional, and local veterinary agencies.
• Reinforcement of biosecurity training for farm operators.
• Consideration of wider-scale vaccination if the outbreak expands beyond current containment zones

As Spain grapples with this unexpected return of Newcastle Disease, the effectiveness of these interventions will determine how quickly the virus can be eradicated and the country’s poultry sector restored to health.