Riga, April 22 (LETA) - An outbreak of Newcastle disease has been detected in a farm with 50 chicken in Kaleti parish in Dienvidkurzeme municipality, the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) informed LETA.

The PVD is carrying out the necessary measures at the farm. To prevent further spread of the disease, as in the case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, all chickens in the holding are being culled, their products destroyed, and cleaning and disinfection carried out.

Newcastle disease is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease of birds.

Wild birds are the natural reservoir of the virus. Domestic birds can become infected through contact with infected wild birds. Birds can also be infected by contaminated food or items such as shoes, clothing, equipment that have been exposed to the virus.

The PVD informed that a previous outbreak of Newcastle disease in Latvia was detected in November 2025 in a farm with 35 poultry in Valdemarpils, Talsi municipality.