Ritratt: UnsplashMalta has lifted the remaining restrictions imposed following a Newcastle Disease outbreak in poultry farms, the agriculture ministry announced on Wednesday.
The measures are being removed after surveillance carried out on farms across Malta and Gozo found no cases of the disease in any chicken establishments, marking the successful conclusion of a two-month containment effort.
Minister Anton Refalo explained that all restrictions had been lifted, crediting the timely implementation of controls with preventing the spread of the disease. However, vaccination of laying hens and broilers against Newcastle Disease will remain mandatory as a precautionary measure.
The outbreak, first reported in May, prompted immediate action from veterinary authorities who designated the entire country as a protection zone on 22 May.
By early June, comprehensive restrictions were in place, including prohibitions on bird trading, pigeon racing, and falconry activities.
Newcastle Disease, caused by the virus Orthoavulavirus javaense, poses little threat to humans but can devastate bird populations. The disease, first identified in Java in 1926 and subsequently in Newcastle upon Tyne the following year, spreads readily among confined poultry and has the potential to wipe out entire flocks.
The initial outbreak affected two poultry farms, prompting the Veterinary Regulation Directorate to implement strict controls to prevent further transmission. These measures appeared to achieve their intended effect, with no additional cases reported since the initial outbreak.
Some restrictions had already been partially lifted in June as the disease was deemed successfully contained, though several precautionary measures remained in force.
Refalo thanked officers at the Directorate for Veterinary Regulation, who will continue conducting inspections of chicken farms to ensure the disease does not re-enter poultry establishments.
