Veterinary services have confirmed outbreaks of suspected Newcastle disease in Kosobudy in the Lublin region and in the town of Wielgie in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship. In Kosobudy, the disease affected a small farm with 14 chickens, prompting the Lublin voivode to impose restrictions across the entire region. Meanwhile, in the Lubusz voivodeship, authorities are battling further outbreaks of avian influenza, which are paralyzing local poultry farming.

Outbreak in Kosobudy

Suspected Newcastle disease detected on a small farm in Zamość County affecting 14 chickens.

Restrictions in the Lublin region

The voivode declared the entire Lublin voivodeship a threatened area to contain the virus.

Disease in Wielgie

Earlier, on February 12, the pathogen was confirmed at a household farm in Golub-Dobrzyń County.

Avian influenza in Lubusz

The avian influenza virus has attacked further flocks in Strzelecko-Drezdenecki County.

Veterinary services in Poland are grappling with a sudden increase in epizootic threats. In the town of Kosobudy, in Zamość County, an outbreak of suspected Newcastle disease was diagnosed. This information was provided by Agnieszka Smyl, the Lublin Voivodeship Veterinary Officer. Although the outbreak involved a small flock of 14 chickens, the seriousness of the situation compelled the Lublin voivode to issue a regulation imposing restrictions across the entire Lublin voivodeship. Employees of the Veterinary Inspection implemented procedures prescribed by law, including the culling of infected birds and disinfection of the area. The situation is not limited to eastern Poland. Already on February 12, 2026, the pathogen was detected in birds at a backyard farm in the town of Wielgie, in Golub-Dobrzyń County. The farm kept 66 chickens and 30 pigeons. Simultaneously, the western part of the country is struggling with another threat – the avian influenza virus. Further cases have been recorded in Międzyrzecz County and Strzelecko-Drezdenecki County. In Grudziądz on the Vistula River, dead birds were found, confirming the presence of the virus in wild populations in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian region. Newcastle disease, also known as avian paramyxovirus, was first described in 1926 in Java and in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. For decades, it was one of the greatest threats to global poultry production until mass vaccination programs were introduced.Experts emphasize that such a sudden accumulation of outbreaks of various infectious bird diseases in February requires breeders to exercise particular biosecurity. Losses resulting from flock culling and export bans could be severe for the agricultural sector. Voivodeship crisis management centers appeal for immediate reporting of any increased poultry mortality. „Veterinary Inspection employees have taken immediate action aimed at eliminating the outbreak and preventing the spread of the virus.” — Agnieszka Smyl Kosobudy (chickens): 14, Wielgie (chickens): 66, Wielgie (pigeons): 30100% — of the Lublin voivodeship declared a threatened areaTimeline of poultry disease detection: February 12, 2026 — ; February 18, 11:10 — ; February 18, 18:04 — ; February 19, 2026 —

Mentioned People

  • Agnieszka Smyl — Lublin Voivodeship Veterinary Officer, responsible for communication regarding outbreaks of suspected Newcastle disease.