The Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment has confirmed the detection of the Newcastle disease virus in wild birds found dead in Son Ferrer, in the municipality of Calvià. The finding occurred within the framework of reinforced surveillance due to the current avian influenza risk and, according to authorities, does not currently affect poultry farms or zoological collections in the Balearic Islands.
The detection followed a report of unusual mortality among wild birds in the area. In line with official protocols, the Animal Health Service, under the Directorate General for Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, coordinated sample collection for analysis.
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Laboratory confirmation and negative avian influenza results
Samples were first analysed at the official laboratory of the Balearic Islands (IRFAP) and then sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Algete, where PCR testing confirmed the presence of the Newcastle disease virus in 8 of the 11 samples. All samples tested negative for avian influenza.
At present, no cases have been detected in poultry farms or zoological centres in the Balearic Islands.
Strengthened surveillance to protect poultry production
The Director General for Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Fernando Fernández, stated that the detection “shows that surveillance systems are working” and that the controls reinforced due to avian influenza allow for early identification of other avian diseases.
From this Friday onwards, official veterinary services will carry out sampling and biosecurity surveys at poultry farms in Calvià and Palma, as part of the National Surveillance Programme for Newcastle disease, to assess any potential circulation of the virus in domestic birds.
Biosecurity measures and public reassurance
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting birds and is notifiable, but it is not considered a significant zoonotic risk. Human cases are extremely rare and limited to direct and intense exposure.
Detection in wild fauna does not lead to outbreak declaration or culling measures, but it does require enhanced epidemiological surveillance. The Regional Ministry has issued guidance to poultry farms, zoological centres, wildlife recovery facilities and pigeon-fancier associations to reinforce biosecurity and maintain the preventive confinement of domestic birds linked to avian influenza measures.
Fernández reiterated that no poultry holdings are affected in the Balearic Islands and reassured the public that the disease does not pose a relevant public health risk.
National context and ongoing monitoring
In recent months, several outbreaks of Newcastle disease have been reported in the Valencian Community, particularly in La Vall d’Albaida, affecting broiler farms. In the Balearic Islands, the current detection is limited to wild birds and has occurred strictly within official surveillance programmes.
The Regional Ministry will continue to monitor the detected virus and awaits further pathotype characterisation by the Algete laboratory to determine its virulence, keeping all relevant sectors informed.