The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Spain reported an outbreak of Newcastle disease in a broiler farm located in the Province of Almeria.  Mortality was recorded in the flock comprising approximately 10,000 broilers at six weeks of age.  The diagnosis was confirmed by the Central Veterinary Laboratory at Algete near Madrid. The flock was depopulated, and appropriate control measures implemented.

An epidemiologic investigation is in progress to determine the origin of the infection, with wild birds considered as the most likely source.  The vaccination status of the flock should be determined

Newcastle disease is seldom encountered as a cause of mortality in commercial flocks in the E.U. or North America since effective vaccination is universally applied.