13 November 2026
Swedish veterinary authorities have confirmed a major outbreak of Newcastle disease (NDV) at a large-scale commercial layer facility. The last occurrence of Newcastle Disease in Sweden was recorded in October 2024. The onset of the outbreak was recorded on November 10, 2026, with official laboratory confirmation received on November 12, 2026. The infected premises is a commercial layer farm, housing a total of 200,520 susceptible birds across five barns. Epidemiological investigations were initiated following prominent clinical signs, specifically a noticeable decrease in egg production observed in two of the five barns. In strict compliance with European Union regulations (Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and EU DR 2020/687), a full stamping-out policy is actively ongoing. All 200,520 birds on the farm will be culled and subject to official disposal.
A critical professional backdrop to this outbreak is the recent historic shift in Sweden’s approach to NDV. Departing from its long-standing non-vaccination policy, the Swedish Board of Agriculture implemented a new mandate in April 2026 requiring Newcastle disease vaccination for all flocks exceeding 200 laying hens or breeding birds.
