Newcastle disease outbreak detected in backyard farm in Dobele municipality
The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has confirmed an outbreak of Newcastle disease in Tērvete parish, where 36 chickens will be culled; however, further spread is considered unlikely, so no restriction zones will be imposed.
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On July 3, 2026, the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) announced a Newcastle disease outbreak in a backyard farm in Tērvete parish, Dobele municipality. The disease was detected in a flock of 36 chickens, with the diagnosis confirmed by laboratory tests from the Institute "Bior".
Control measures have been initiated, including culling all chickens, destroying products, and carrying out cleaning and disinfection. Based on epidemiological investigation, PVD assesses the risk of further spread as low. Therefore, a regulatory exception will be applied and no restriction zones around the affected farm will be established.
Newcastle disease is an acute, highly contagious viral infection in birds, characterized by respiratory, digestive, and nervous system disorders, as well as sepsis. Wild birds serve as the natural reservoir, and domestic poultry can become infected through direct contact with infected wild birds or contaminated feed and objects.
PVD urges poultry owners to follow biosecurity measures, register their flocks, and verify the origin of birds. Preventive vaccination against Newcastle disease is permitted.
Previous outbreaks in Latvia occurred in November 2025 in Talsu municipality (35 birds) and in April 2026 in Dienvidkurzeme municipality (50 birds). In the European Union, outbreaks have increased; in 2025, Poland culled over 8.7 million poultry due to Newcastle disease. This year, the most outbreaks have been reported in Germany, Poland, Spain, and the Czech Republic. Lithuania also reported an outbreak in February 2026.
More information is available on the PVD website.
