HPAI and Newcastle Disease Snapshots: UK, Uruguay, Poland
October 3–4, 2026 — Veterinary authorities in the UK, Uruguay and Poland have reported fresh avian influenza and Newcastle disease events, marking key developments in the 2026 autumn disease season.
UK: First HPAI Premises of 2026/27 Season
UK and Scottish veterinary authorities have confirmed the first HPAI premises outbreak of the 2026/27 season, ending a period of relative calm and signaling the restart of the high-risk period for avian influenza in Great Britain.
The detection has triggered:
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Enhanced surveillance in surrounding areas.
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Movement restrictions and biosecurity reinforcements for poultry keepers.
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Renewed calls for strict on-farm biosecurity, especially for commercial and backyard flocks.
Uruguay: Nationwide Animal-Health Emergency After HPAI H5
Uruguay’s Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), through its General Directorate of Livestock Services (DGSG), has declared a nationwide animal-health emergency following confirmation of HPAI H5 in backyard poultry in Colonia (southwest Uruguay).
The outbreak was identified after suspected clinical disease and mortality across multiple bird species on a backyard premises. Epidemiological investigations and control zones have been established to limit spread.
Poland: Newcastle Disease Returns to Commercial Layers
Poland’s Chief Veterinary Inspectorate has confirmed Newcastle disease in a commercial egg-laying farm in Zmiana Dolna, Wschowa Commune, Lubuskie province (outbreak #53 of 2026).
Key details:
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Approximately 78,673 pullets on the affected farm.
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This is the first confirmed ND outbreak in Poland’s commercial layer sector in three months, raising concerns about vaccine coverage, biosecurity gaps, and wild-bird exposure.
