Spanish veterinary authorities have confirmed a series of Newcastle Disease (ND) outbreaks affecting poultry farms in the Valencia province throughout the winter season of 2025-26.
The epidemiological surge began on December 29, 2025, when the virus was first detected in a broiler flock of 15,000 birds in the municipality of Llutxent. Subsequent laboratory analysis conducted by the National Reference Laboratory in Algete identified the pathogen as a highly virulent velogenic strain, specifically categorized as Genotype VII (sub-genotype VII.1.1).
Since the initial detection, the virus has spread to several locations within the Vall d’Albaida region. Significant outbreaks were recorded in Castelló de Rugat, involving over 65,000 broilers, and in Terrateig, where a layer flock of 27,000 birds was affected in March 2026.
The most recent reports from April 2026 indicate continued viral activity in El Ràfol de Salem, involving both broiler and layer operations. To date, the series of outbreaks has impacted more than 238,000 birds across the region.
| Reporting Date | Specific Location (Valencia) | Flock Type | Number of Birds |
| Dec 29, 2025 | Llutxent | Broilers | 15,000 |
| Jan 02, 2026 | Castelló de Rugat | Broilers | 65,100 |
| Jan 20, 2026 | Valencia District | Broilers | 75,000 |
| Mar 09, 2026 | Terrateig | Layers | 27,000 |
| Apr 09, 2026 | El Ràfol de Salem | Broilers | 26,300 |
| Apr 10, 2026 | El Ràfol de Salem | Layers | 30,000 |
Source:-