Near MoutfortNewcastle disease detected in wild pigeon
A wild pigeon carrying Newcastle disease has been detected in Luxembourg, though officials confirm the PPMV-1 strain poses no risk to human health or food safety.
Luxembourg authorities have confirmed a case of Newcastle disease (PPMV-1) in a wild pigeon found in the Moutfort municipality.
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) received official confirmation from the national reference laboratory on 5 August 2025.
The detected strain, avian paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1 variant), primarily affects wild Columbidae species and is rarely found in other bird populations.
Health officials emphasise that the disease poses no risk to human health, with no danger from consuming poultry products.
Recommended biosecurity measures
ALVA has issued guidance for poultry owners and veterinarians:
- Anyone (keeper, vet) who suspects Newcastle disease in a bird must immediately inform ALVA.
- All poultry keepers, both commercial and private, can have their animals vaccinated against the Newcastle disease pathogen.
- Bird keepers must immediately report any abnormalities to their vet (including an increased mortality rate, reduced mobility, significant changes in production data, or neurological disorders).
- Protect your birds from direct and indirect contact with wild birds: Ideally, poultry should be fed and watered indoors, and it is recommended that netting be installed over outdoor poultry runs.
- All cross-border movements of poultry must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin.
PDF: Statement by ALVA [FR]
