Newcastle Disease: County reminds of compulsory poultry vaccination
Since the end of February 2026, cases of Newcastle disease have been detected in poultry flocks in Germany - in Brandenburg and Bavaria - for the first time in 30 years. The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg therefore reminds people of the vaccination obligation: poultry farmers in Germany are legally obliged to have chickens and turkeys vaccinated in order to protect them from the highly contagious and usually fatal viral disease.
Mostly chickens and turkeys affected
The animal disease, which occurs particularly in chickens and turkeys, is transmitted through bodily secretions and faeces of infected animals as well as indirectly via clothing, shoes, vehicles or feed and has similar symptoms to avian influenza: High fever, greenish diarrhoea, shortness of breath, paralysis and a sudden, drastic drop in laying performance.
Vaccination is the best protection
"Regular vaccination is the best protection and protects the flock from severe outbreaks," explains Dr Anke Zwolinski, head of the district's food monitoring, animal welfare and veterinary services. "All poultry farmers should therefore check the vaccination status of their animals and have them regularly vaccinated against this highly contagious and notifiable animal disease." This applies not only to commercial, but also hobby farms. In addition to vaccination, biosecurity measures should also be reviewed to reduce the risk of the virus entering and spreading. Particular attention should be paid to the control of personal contact and the exchange of objects.
Not dangerous for humans
According to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, in rare cases humans can also become infected with the virus through close contact with infected animals. In humans, however, the disease usually progresses with mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis or mild flu-like symptoms. "Humans are therefore not at serious risk from the virus. The focus of the disease is on animal health," says Dr Anke Zwolinski. Poultry farmers are therefore urged to check the vaccination status of their animals and report any suspected cases to the Food Monitoring, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service on 05631 954-1753 or by email to veterinaeramt@lkwafkb.de. Further information is also available online at www.landkreis-waldeck-frankenberg.de.
Keywords:
Animal disease control Food monitoring, animal welfare and veterinary services