Spanish authorities have reported three cases of Newcastle Disease in poultry holdings located in the province of Valencia.
Recent Outbreaks of Newcastle Disease
The initial case was detected on December 23. Following investigations in a designated protection zone, two additional cases were confirmed, marking the first incidence of Newcastle Disease in Spain since the summer of 2022. The announcement was based on preliminary diagnostic tests conducted by the regional laboratory and the Centre for Poultry Quality and Animal Feed in the Valencian Community. These results are pending further confirmation from the national reference laboratory in Algete.
In response to the outbreak, the Valencian Ministry of Agriculture has implemented a health protocol that includes compulsory veterinary inspections, preventive immobilisation of affected farms, and heightened surveillance measures. Authorities have emphasized that while Newcastle Disease is extremely contagious among poultry and other avian species, it does not pose any risk to human health.
New Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
In related news, the national department of agriculture in Madrid has reported a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the first occurrence since October. This case was confirmed at a poultry farm with 235,000 laying hens in Bellpuig, near the city of Lleida in Cataluña. The likely cause of infection is contact with a migrating bird.
Spain currently has a national housing order for poultry that is in effect across the entire country. In light of these developments, the National Committee for Veterinary Sanitary Affairs (RASVE) convened an urgent meeting to discuss the escalating situation regarding animal diseases, including Newcastle Disease and avian influenza. Additionally, cases of lumpy skin disease have also been reported in the northeastern border region with France. Recent statistics indicate that the number of wild boar infected with African Swine Fever has risen to 29 in this region.
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