The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has confirmed the presence of Newcastle disease in a backyard poultry flock in Mońki (Poland), according to information released by the Organisation.
The outbreak was confirmed on 30 September, following reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing carried out at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) of Poland.
The situation came to light when it was discovered that 18,300 birds from a flock of 51,900 had died. The WOAH report did not disclose the species of birds involved, nor whether they were part of a commercial operation. They were referred to simply as domestic poultry.
The remaining 33,600 birds in the flock have been culled, with additional control measures implemented including zoning, surveillance within the restricted zone, control of poultry movements, disinfection, traceability, and official destruction of animal products.
This is the first case of Newcastle disease in Poland since the summer of 2023, when 4 flocks comprising a total of approximately 78,000 birds were affected. Following the successful implementation of control measures, the situation was declared resolved in November 2023.
Currently, the only other countries with an active Newcastle disease report on the WOAH website are Brazil and Israel.