Ponta Delgada, Azores, Aug. 26, 2026 (Lusa) - Newcastle disease has been identified in dead wild birds on the islands of Graciosa, Terceira, Pico, São Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial, particularly affecting pigeons and doves, the regional government of the Azores revealed on Wednesday.
In response to a request from the Left Bloc (BE), the Azorean government stated that the «first reports» of pigeon deaths occurred in June on Graciosa, and that «surveillance and monitoring measures» had been «put in place».
According to the Regional Government's response, dated Monday, «mortality among wild birds on the islands of Graciosa, Terceira, Pico, São Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial» was recorded as a result of the disease.
«As of the reference date, all results from samples of pigeons and Eurasian collared doves sent for specific testing were positive for the Newcastle disease virus. (…) Conversely, all results from poultry tested negative for Newcastle disease», the regional government explains in the document published on Tuesday by the Regional Parliament and consulted today by the Lusa news agency.
The Azorean government points out that the risk of Newcastle disease to the «general public is considered low», as «human infection is rare and usually mild, and is mainly associated with direct and close contact with infected birds».
«The Regional Government remains committed to acting with transparency, rigour and institutional integrity towards the public and the bodies directly or indirectly involved. The validated laboratory results have been communicated as they become available,» it emphasised.
On 13 August, the Azores banned pigeon hunting and bird fairs after Newcastle disease was detected; the disease poses a «low risk» to humans but requires «precautions», according to the Regional Government.
«This week, the Newcastle disease virus was detected in wild birds, specifically Eurasian collared doves and pigeons. As it was detected in pigeons, and to prevent any transmission and the possibility of infection through the food chain – given that the pigeon is used for human consumption – we have banned hunting until conditions are verified», António Ventura, Secretary for Agriculture and Food of the regional government of the Azores, told the Lusa news agency.
According to the publication in the Official Journal, the ban on pigeon hunting comes into force on Friday and will remain in place indefinitely across all the islands in the region.
«It is a highly viral disease for birds and highly contagious amongst them. It has an impact on the income of poultry farmers. It poses a low risk to humans, but there is a risk,» warned the regional secretary.
Newcastle disease, also known as pseudopeste aviaria, is very viral amongst birds and affects all poultry species, with «a particular incidence among chickens and turkeys», according to the website of the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs.
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