100 years of Newcastle disease research at APHA
The event marked the centenary of Newcastle disease research and explored the future of global disease surveillance, control and innovation.
On the 17 September, leading scientists, veterinarians and animal health specialists from around the world celebrated the centenary of Newcastle disease research and explored the future of global disease surveillance, control and innovation.
This hybrid event brought together internationally recognised experts from the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, Pakistan and the United States to reflect on a century of scientific progress against one of the most significant viral diseases affecting poultry worldwide.
For the past 100 years, Newcastle disease has remained a major challenge for the global poultry sector, causing significant economic losses and impacting food security, trade and livelihoods in many countries. The centenary event provided a unique opportunity to review how understanding of the disease has evolved since it was first identified and to discuss the latest research helping to protect poultry populations today.
The event at APHA Weybridge, hosted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Reference Centre for Newcastle Disease, featured presentations from leading international researchers and disease specialists who shared perspectives on the history of the disease, its global impact and the ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance and control programmes across the world.
We were pleased to welcome Professor Ian Brown (Pirbright Institute) back to give a historical perspective on the disease, having started his research career at APHA in this field over 30 years ago. With additional guest speakers from the US Department of Agriculture; the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore; the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Germany and the EU Reference Laboratory in Italy.
Presenters for the event. In the room (L-R) Ashley Banyard, Craig Ross, Ian Brown and Bhudipa Choudhury. Virtual presenters: Christian Grund, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Germany, Alice Fusaro, IZSVenezie, Italy, Mohammed Zhubair Shabir, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan, Maria Barrios, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Spain. Richard Hepple, APHA, UK
Delegates heard how cooperation between national laboratories, research institutes and international organisations has helped improve the understanding and management of Newcastle disease over the past century. Presentations also showcased current research aimed at enhancing detection, monitoring viral evolution and supporting rapid responses to outbreaks and the challenges posed by emerging virus variants and changing patterns of disease spread.
The event demonstrated APHA’s long-standing contribution to global animal health and its role as an internationally recognised centre of expertise for avian diseases. Researchers reflected on the agency’s involvement in supporting disease monitoring, providing scientific advice and collaborating with partners worldwide to improve poultry health and disease resilience.
Alongside those attending in person, the event was broadcast live on YouTube to registered delegates from around the world, enabling animal health professionals to take part remotely.
A recording of the presentations will be available soon. If you would be interested in receiving a link, please email your request to events@apha.gov.uk.
As the poultry industry continues to face new and evolving disease threats, the APHA Newcastle Disease centenary event provided both a valuable reflection on a century of achievement and an opportunity to look ahead. The gathering reinforced the importance of continued scientific research, strong international partnerships and effective surveillance systems in protecting animal health for generations to come.
About Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease is a highly infectious viral disease that affects birds, particularly poultry. The disease was first identified in 1926 by TM Doyle, a veterinarian from the Animal and Plant Health Agency, investigating a new disease in chickens on a farm near Newcastle upon Tyne.
While significant progress has been made in understanding and controlling the disease over the last 100 years, with the last UK outbreak in 2006, ongoing vigilance, research and international cooperation remain essential to reduce its impact and support the health and sustainability of poultry populations worldwide.