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Berlin Animal Shelter Confirms New Newcastle Disease Outbreak in Pigeons

Officials ordered full testing with operations curtailed following a positive result in a deceased pigeon.

Overview

  • Bezirksamt Lichtenberg confirmed the disease on Monday after one dead pigeon tested positive, with results for eight direct contacts pending.
  • The shelter canceled public consultation days, and animal adoptions continue only by prior appointment to reduce transmission risk.
  • The entire bird population is undergoing swab and fecal testing, with repeat tests scheduled at intervals of at least 21 days and restrictions in place until results are clear.
  • Authorities have not set up a restricted zone, as district veterinarians are clinically inspecting nearby poultry holdings with more than 20 birds and checking vaccination status.
  • Officials stress there is no danger to humans; the infected bird was a rescued Polish racing pigeon that was euthanized, and the shelter previously faced an outbreak in December 2024.