Newcastle disease outbreak reported in Valencia poultry farm

Veterinary authorities in the Valencian Community have reported a new outbreak of Newcastle disease at a broiler farm in the Utiel region. This represents a fourth detected focus in the area, located approximately 3 km from a previously reported site.

The affected farm houses 6,072 birds, which have experienced a mortality rate of 5.48%. Official veterinary services confirmed the presence of a velogenic strain of the virus via PCR testing at the National Reference Laboratory in Algete. Preliminary information suggests the birds may not have been sufficiently protected, as they had only received a single in-ovo vaccination dose, which deviates from recommended protocols.

In response, authorities have implemented measures according to EU regulations, including the immediate immobilization of the farm and the establishment of restriction zones. Ongoing actions include epidemiological surveys to trace the origin of the virus, sanitary cleaning of the farm, and the destruction of carcasses and contaminated materials. There are 32 commercial farms located within a 3 km radius and 14 farms within a 10 km radius of the identified foci.