On Wednesday 6 August 2025, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture reported that the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) had officially detected Newcastle disease (PPMV-1) in a sick pigeon found in the commune of Moutfort on Tuesday 5 August 2025.
According to ALVA, Newcastle disease is a viral infection in birds caused by avian paramyxovirus type 1. Based on the sequence analysis, the variant identified was PPMV-1, which is primarily found in wild Columbidae populations, with only rare cases recorded in other bird species.
ALVA stressed that it poses no risk to humans and the consumption of poultry eggs and meat is safe for human health.
Poultry and Bird Owners: Biosecurity Measures
ALVA has made the following recommendations:
• any person (owner or veterinarian) who suspects a case of Newcastle disease in a bird must immediately notify the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration;
• all poultry keepers, whether commercial or hobbyist, may have their animals vaccinated against the Newcastle disease pathogen;
• bird owners must report any abnormalities to their veterinarian immediately (including increased mortality, reduced mobility, significant changes in production data or neurological symptoms);
• protect one’s birds from direct or indirect contact with wild birds: Drinking and feeding poultry should ideally take place indoors. Installing nets above outdoor poultry runs is recommended;
• any cross-border movement of poultry must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin;
• ALVA takes this opportunity to remind all poultry keepers to register their premises, whether for commercial or hobby purposes, with the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration.
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) can be contacted via tel.: tel.: 247-82539 or via email: info@alva.etat.lu.
