Newcastle Disease in Europe: A Resurgence of Viral Activity Raises Concerns for Poultry Health and Biosecurity

7 November 2026

Newcastle disease (ND) is once again attracting considerable attention across Europe. Following a period in which the disease had been eliminated or brought under control in several European countries, 2026 has seen a significant resurgence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), with outbreaks affecting commercial poultry farms, smallholdings and captive birds.

The geographical spread of reported outbreaks, the emergence and circulation of virulent viral strains, and the involvement of countries that had previously maintained disease-free status highlight the continuing threat posed by NDV to European poultry production.

The situation is a timely reminder that Newcastle disease remains an important transboundary animal disease and that effective vaccination, surveillance, biosecurity and international cooperation are essential to protecting poultry health.

1. The European situation: a changing epidemiological picture

During 2026, Newcastle disease outbreaks have been reported across several European countries, with particularly significant activity in Central and Eastern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula.

Poland has remained an important focus of infection, with continuing reports of outbreaks in poultry holdings. Spain has also experienced substantial disease activity, including outbreaks in commercial poultry. Germany experienced a particularly notable development in February 2026, when Newcastle disease re-emerged in commercial poultry holdings for the first time in more than 20 years.

The German outbreaks, initially affecting holdings in Bavaria and Brandenburg, represented a significant change in the country's animal health situation. Investigations identified the highly virulent genotype VII.1.1, which has also been detected in other European countries.

Further reports during the year have involved the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia and Slovenia, alongside detections in non-commercial bird populations.

Recent surveillance information indicates that the situation remains dynamic. In particular, reports from October 2026 confirmed another outbreak in a Hungarian commercial poultry holding, approximately 40 km from the Austrian border. Spain and Poland have also continued to report infections, while detections in neighbouring Central European countries demonstrate the potential for further geographical spread.

2. The virus: understanding the circulating strains

Newcastle disease is caused by avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOAV-1), historically referred to as avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1). The virus belongs to the family Paramyxoviridae and can infect a wide range of bird species.

Not all NDV infections result in the same clinical outcome. Viruses are traditionally classified according to their virulence into lentogenic (low virulence), mesogenic (intermediate virulence) and velogenic (high virulence) forms.

The highly virulent forms are responsible for the severe disease outbreaks that have major implications for poultry health, animal welfare and international trade.

Of particular interest in the current European situation is the circulation of viruses belonging to genotype VII, including genotype VII.1.1.

The recent outbreak investigations provide evidence of a complex epidemiological picture:

• Germany: The 2026 outbreaks were associated with genotype VII.1.1, a lineage circulating in Eastern Europe.
• Hungary: Investigations identified a Class II genotype VII virus closely related to viruses detected in Slovakia.
• Spain: Different viral genotypes have been identified in different outbreak regions, including VII.1.1 in the Valencian Community and VII.2 in Castile and León.
• Poland: Continued detection and investigation of infection highlight the importance of maintaining effective surveillance and vaccination programmes.

These findings are particularly important because they demonstrate that the European epidemic is not necessarily being driven by a single, epidemiologically connected virus lineage. Genetic characterisation and whole-genome sequencing are therefore valuable tools for understanding transmission pathways, identifying potential introductions and supporting appropriate control measures.

3. Why is Newcastle disease spreading?

The current situation is likely to reflect a combination of epidemiological, management and biosecurity factors.

Movement of live birds and poultry products

The movement of live poultry, hatching eggs, breeding stock and other bird populations can facilitate the geographical spread of infection. International trade and the movement of birds between holdings require appropriate veterinary certification, traceability and disease-control safeguards.

Gaps in flock immunity

One important finding from the 2026 outbreak investigations has been the occurrence of disease in vaccinated poultry.

This does not necessarily indicate vaccine failure. The October 2026 DEFRA assessment highlighted concerns about insufficient flock-level immunity in some affected Hungarian holdings. The timing of vaccination, booster administration, vaccine delivery and the development of protective immunity are all important considerations.

In young birds, maternal antibody levels and the interval required for an effective immune response can create periods of increased susceptibility.

Small-scale and backyard poultry holdings

Backyard flocks, hobby holdings and mixed-species bird collections can present additional challenges. Vaccination may be less consistent, bird movements may be poorly documented, and biosecurity practices can vary considerably.

The outbreaks reported in captive birds in countries including the Czech Republic demonstrate that these populations should not be overlooked in surveillance and disease prevention.

Environmental contamination and indirect transmission

NDV can spread through direct contact with infected birds and through contaminated faeces, respiratory secretions, feed, water, equipment, vehicles and clothing.

Wild birds and pigeons may also contribute to the epidemiology of avian paramyxovirus infections. However, the role of different wild bird species in the current European poultry outbreaks remains incompletely understood.

4. Vaccination: a critical component of disease prevention

Vaccination remains one of the most important tools available for controlling Newcastle disease.

In many European countries, vaccination is routinely used in commercial poultry production, particularly in laying hens, breeders and other susceptible populations. Some countries have also introduced or strengthened mandatory vaccination requirements in response to the current outbreaks.

However, the 2026 experience reinforces an important principle: vaccination alone cannot guarantee freedom from infection.

The effectiveness of a vaccination programme depends on several factors:

• Selection of an appropriate vaccine and vaccination strategy.
• Correct vaccine storage, preparation and administration.
• Appropriate timing of primary and booster vaccinations.
• Consideration of maternal antibody interference.
• Monitoring of flock immunity through serological testing.
• Assessment of vaccine coverage across the entire production system.

Vaccinated birds may still become infected and, depending on circumstances, may contribute to virus circulation. Vaccination should therefore be considered alongside active surveillance, laboratory testing and strict biosecurity.

Veterinary advisers and poultry producers should review existing vaccination programmes in light of the current epidemiological situation and ensure that immunity is adequate throughout the production cycle.

5. Biosecurity, surveillance and disease control

The current European situation reinforces the need for a comprehensive approach to disease prevention.

Under the European Union Animal Health Law, Newcastle disease is classified as a Category A disease. This means that outbreaks require immediate disease-control measures aimed at preventing further spread and achieving eradication.

Measures applied in affected areas include:

• Culling of infected poultry flocks.
• Establishment of protection and surveillance zones.
• Restrictions on the movement of poultry and captive birds.
• Enhanced clinical and laboratory surveillance.
• Epidemiological investigations and tracing of potentially exposed holdings.
• Thorough cleaning and disinfection of infected premises, vehicles and equipment.

At farm level, poultry producers should prioritise practical biosecurity measures, including:

1. Restricting access to poultry houses and maintaining visitor records.
2. Providing dedicated clothing and footwear for poultry-house entry.
3. Cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment and footwear.
4. Preventing contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.
5. Protecting feed and water supplies from contamination.
6. Quarantining newly introduced birds and sourcing them from reliable suppliers.
7. Monitoring daily mortality, feed and water consumption, egg production and bird behaviour.
8. Reporting suspected disease immediately to the relevant veterinary authorities.

Clinical signs can vary depending on the virus strain, bird species, age and immune status. They may include respiratory distress, diarrhoea, depression, reduced egg production, nervous signs and sudden mortality.

Importantly, Newcastle disease can resemble highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Laboratory diagnosis is therefore essential to distinguish between these infections.

6. What does the current situation mean for the United Kingdom?

Although Great Britain has not reported a confirmed Newcastle disease outbreak since 2006, the situation in mainland Europe remains relevant to UK poultry health.

The latest DEFRA assessment, published on 20 October 2026, classified the risk of introduction of Newcastle disease into Great Britain as low.

This assessment takes account of the declining number of outbreaks in Poland, the absence of recently reported outbreaks in Germany and the Netherlands, and the effectiveness of trade restrictions and regionalisation measures.

Nevertheless, potential routes of introduction remain, including:

• Movement of infected or illegally traded birds.
• Contaminated vehicles, equipment and clothing.
• Contact with infected wild or feral birds, particularly pigeons.

The UK assessment also highlights the importance of monitoring developments in Western Europe. A geographical spread towards western Germany and the Netherlands could provide an early indication of an increasing risk to Great Britain.

For UK poultry producers, the message is clear: the current risk assessment should not lead to complacency. Vaccination where appropriate, effective farm biosecurity and prompt reporting of suspicious clinical signs remain essential.

7. A wider European and international surveillance challenge

The resurgence of Newcastle disease in Europe illustrates the importance of coordinated animal health surveillance across national borders.

The disease does not respect geographical or political boundaries. The movement of poultry, the trade in birds and bird products, and the potential involvement of wild and captive bird populations mean that effective control requires collaboration between veterinary authorities, diagnostic laboratories, researchers and the poultry industry.

Organisations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and national veterinary services play important roles in collecting and interpreting disease information, coordinating responses and communicating emerging risks.

Molecular epidemiology is particularly important. Greater use of genomic sequencing, harmonised diagnostic approaches and timely sharing of sequence data will help establish whether outbreaks are related, identify potential sources of infection and improve our understanding of how different NDV genotypes are circulating across Europe.

For the International Network for Avian Health, this situation also provides an opportunity to strengthen international knowledge exchange and encourage collaboration between professionals working in avian virology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine and poultry production.

8. Looking ahead: what should we expect?

As we move towards the end of 2026, Newcastle disease remains an important animal health concern in Europe.

The recent outbreaks demonstrate that even countries with established vaccination programmes and advanced veterinary surveillance systems remain vulnerable to disease incursions.

Several priorities should guide future disease prevention and control:

• Continued monitoring of NDV outbreaks across Europe, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Improved understanding of the epidemiology and geographical distribution of genotype VII viruses.
• Greater attention to vaccination quality and the assessment of flock immunity.
• Enhanced surveillance in backyard poultry and captive bird populations.
• Continued development of molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance capabilities.
• Improved communication and sharing of epidemiological information between countries.
• Strengthened biosecurity throughout poultry production and supply chains.

It is also important to maintain a distinction between the presence of NDV and the occurrence of virulent Newcastle disease. Not every detection of avian paramyxovirus type 1 represents a virulent Newcastle disease outbreak. Pathogenicity assessment and appropriate laboratory characterisation remain essential.

Conclusion: vigilance, collaboration and preparedness are essential

The resurgence of Newcastle disease across Europe during 2026 is a significant reminder that established animal health threats can re-emerge, even in countries where the disease has been absent for many years.

The circulation of genotype VII viruses, the involvement of commercial poultry and smaller bird holdings, and the geographical spread of outbreaks highlight the continuing challenges associated with controlling this highly contagious disease.

Although vaccination remains a cornerstone of prevention, the current situation demonstrates that successful disease control requires a much broader approach. Effective biosecurity, robust surveillance, rapid laboratory diagnosis, epidemiological investigation and international collaboration are all essential.

For poultry producers, veterinarians, researchers and animal health authorities, the priority must be to remain vigilant, review existing prevention strategies and respond rapidly to emerging threats.

Newcastle disease is not a problem that can be addressed by individual farms or countries in isolation. Protecting European poultry health requires a coordinated international effort.

The International Network for Avian Health encourages continued information sharing, scientific collaboration and engagement between all those working to improve the health and welfare of birds worldwide.

Information current to 7 November 2026. This article is an epidemiological overview and should be read alongside the latest national veterinary authority and WOAH notifications. Outbreak numbers and geographical distributions are subject to change.

References and further reading

1. DEFRA / Animal and Plant Health Agency (20 October 2026). Newcastle disease in Europe – Updated Outbreak Assessment #7.

2. AGES / Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (October 2026). Animal Disease Radar – September 2026.

3. Landwirtschaftskammer Kärnten (5 November 2026). Newcastle Disease: Current information on atypical fowl plague.

4. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Newcastle disease – disease information, transmission and control.

5. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Newcastle disease virus – scientific disease profile, updated 4 November 2026.

6. UK Government / APHA. Newcastle disease: how to spot and report it. Updated 6 November 2026.

Editorial note: The presented information is up to 7 November 2026 as the publication date, and prioritised official veterinary surveillance and government assessments. The distinction between genotype VII.1.1 and other genotype VII viruses is important, and the article avoids suggesting that all European outbreaks are caused by the same strain.