This outbreak, the first detected in the municipality of Castelló de Rugat within the current series of outbreaks that began in late 2025, brings the total number of Newcastle disease outbreaks reported in Spain in poultry during the current season to ten, all located in the province of Valencia.

The suspicion arose on May 5, when a 7% drop in egg production was reported over the last month at the farm. The birds, 85 weeks old, had been vaccinated with three doses against the disease. Samples taken by the Official Veterinary Services of the Generalitat Valenciana were sent to the Central Veterinary Laboratory of Algete, where the presence of a velogenic strain of the virus was confirmed.

The affected farm is located within a three-kilometer radius of three previous outbreaks reported on April 9, 10, and 28, respectively. This proximity has immediately activated the control measures stipulated in European Union Delegated Regulation 2020/687. These measures include the immobilization of the farm, an epidemiological survey to determine the origin of the outbreak, and the identification of at-risk farms due to potential movements of people and vehicles.

Additionally, sanitary emptying of the farm is being carried out, along with the destruction of carcasses, feed, and other materials that could transmit the virus, all managed at an authorized treatment plant. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends reinforcing passive surveillance on poultry farms and in wild birds, and reporting any suspicion to official veterinary services for rapid action.

Emphasis is also placed on the importance of biosecurity measures, especially to prevent contact with wild birds, and the use of vaccines. Although the vaccine does not provide 100% protection, it reduces the risk of infection and the amount of virus excreted, limiting its spread to new farms. The combination of controls, restrictions, surveillance, and biosecurity will be key to curbing the spread of the disease in Vall d'Albaida.