On Friday, 20 February 2026, the notifiable 'atypical avian influenza' or 'Newcastle disease (ND)' was detected on a turkey fattening farm in Brandenburg. Increased mortality accompanied by non-specific clinical symptoms was observed in a flock of six-week-old birds. In contrast, no clinical signs were detected in two older turkey flocks on the same farm that had been repeatedly vaccinated against ND. The entire farm, comprising five flocks in total, was cleared the following day.
Further virological investigations characterised the ND virus on this farm as genotype VII.1.1. The ND virus in Brandenburg is therefore highly similar to ND viruses from outbreaks in Poland. The state authorities have initiated epidemiological investigations into the possible cause of the outbreak.
The first occurrence of this disease in Germany since it was eradicated from poultry in 1996 should prompt all poultry farmers to check that their chicken and turkey flocks are up to date with their mandatory ND vaccinations and to administer them if necessary. In addition, biosecurity measures aimed at reducing the risk of virus introduction should be reviewed. Particular attention should be paid to controlling human contact and the exchange of objects. It is important to remain vigilant: even in flocks that have been vaccinated against ND, laboratory testing for ND should be initiated in the event of unexplained deaths or reduced performance in order to detect and contain an outbreak of atypical avian influenza as early as possible.
Given the ongoing occurrence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5 (‘classical avian influenza’/ ‘bird flu’) in Germany, there is currently a significant risk to poultry and other bird farms (e.g. zoos).
