Mandatory ND vaccination — 2025 requirements
Newcastle disease (ND) is a dangerous, notifiable viral disease, and vaccination against it has been mandatory for commercial flocks for years. We explain in plain language who the obligation applies to under current regulations, which vaccines and methods are used, what records you must keep and how to prepare your farm for a veterinary inspection.
verifiedFrom the team that has organised work on poultry farms for years.
Newcastle disease (ND) is a contagious viral disease of poultry that is fought by order of the authorities. It can sweep through a flock fast and cause heavy losses, which is why in Poland vaccination against ND has been mandatory for commercial flocks for years. It isn’t an optional recommendation but a legal requirement, and its fulfilment is overseen by the Veterinary Inspection.
What does the 2025 update change?
The rules for vaccination against Newcastle disease are set by a regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. The 2025 update (the MRiRW regulation of 25 April 2025) tidies up the control of and mandatory vaccination against ND — among other things the deadlines, the records kept and the oversight of the Veterinary Inspection. Always check the details in the current text of the regulation and with your district veterinary officer, because those are what bind your farm.
ND vaccination in a nutshell
We describe the scope of the obligation, the vaccines and the farmer’s duties in general terms — always confirm the specific deadlines and requirements in line with current regulations and with your district veterinary officer.
Who the obligation applies to
Mandatory ND vaccination covers mainly commercial laying-hen, broiler and turkey farms, with possible exemptions depending on the regulation. The vaccination programme is approved and overseen by the district veterinary officer. Before you plan a flock, confirm with them whether and to what extent the obligation applies to your birds in line with current regulations.
What poultry is vaccinated with
Live attenuated vaccines (for example the La Sota strain) and inactivated vaccines are used. Live vaccines prompt rapid immunity and are easy to give to a whole flock, while inactivated ones build longer-lasting immunity. The choice of product and schedule depends on the species, the type of production and the cycle length, so it is set together with the veterinarian.
Routes of administration
The vaccine can be given in the drinking water, by aerosol (spray) or by injection. Water and spray let you vaccinate a large flock at once, while injection gives a more reliable, individual dose. The method is matched to the age of the birds, the type of vaccine and the conditions in the house.
Booster schedule
A single vaccination is usually not enough for the whole cycle — immunity has to be renewed. The number and timing of booster doses depend on the cycle length and the type of flock, so the vaccination programme is drawn up individually with the veterinarian. In shorter broiler cycles the schedule differs from that of long-kept flocks.
The farmer’s duties
It is up to the farmer to carry out the vaccination programme with the veterinarian and to keep records: vaccination dates, the vaccine batch (lot) number and the number of birds vaccinated. Vaccination certificates must be stored and kept ready to show. ND vaccination can also be a condition for trade in poultry and its movement.
ND is not avian influenza (HPAI)
Newcastle disease (ND) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are two different diseases, though both are dangerous and notifiable. ND is vaccinated against by obligation, whereas in Poland mandatory vaccination against HPAI is not routinely carried out — that is a separate topic with separate rules. Don’t confuse the two diseases when planning vaccinations.
ND vaccination step by step
- 1
Settle the scope with your veterinarian
Start with a talk to your district veterinary officer and the vet who looks after your farm. Confirm whether and to what extent mandatory ND vaccination applies to your flock in line with current regulations, including the MRiRW regulation of 2025. That is the starting point before you plan anything.
- 2
Draw up the vaccination programme
Together with the veterinarian, set the schedule: the type of vaccine (live, inactivated), the route of administration and the dose timing with boosters. Match the programme to the species, type of production and cycle length. It is approved and overseen by the district veterinary officer, so stick to the agreed plan.
- 3
Prepare the house and the birds
Before vaccinating, make sure the drinking system works, the water is good and the flock is calm, so the dose goes in evenly. With water and spray, proper distribution of the vaccine matters; with injection, smooth organisation of the work does. Good preparation decides whether the whole flock is really vaccinated.
- 4
Vaccinate according to the plan
Carry out the vaccination on the set date and by the set method, under the supervision or according to the instructions of the veterinarian. Watch the dose, the route of administration and the storage conditions of the vaccine until use. Sticking to the plan is the condition for the flock’s immunity to actually build up.
- 5
Record the details of each vaccination
Right after vaccinating, note the date, the vaccine batch (lot) number, the route of administration and the number of birds vaccinated. Keep the certificates and documents from the veterinarian. Sound records are proof that the obligation has been met and the basis for trade in and movement of poultry.
- 6
Be ready for a veterinary inspection
The Veterinary Inspection may check the carrying out of vaccinations and the records. Keep the certificates, dates, batch numbers and bird counts in one easily accessible place, ordered chronologically. When the documents are complete and at hand, the inspection runs smoothly and you have peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions about ND vaccination
Is ND vaccination mandatory?add
Yes — Newcastle disease is a notifiable disease, and vaccination against it has been mandatory for commercial flocks in Poland for years, under a regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Always confirm the scope of the obligation and any exemptions in line with current regulations and with your district veterinary officer.
Who does the ND vaccination obligation apply to?add
Mainly commercial laying-hen, broiler and turkey farms, with possible exemptions depending on the regulation. The vaccination programme is approved and overseen by the district veterinary officer, so it is with them that you confirm whether and to what extent the obligation applies to your flock. It is best to do this before you plan a flock.
What vaccination records do I have to keep?add
Note the vaccination dates, the vaccine batch (lot) number, the route of administration and the number of birds vaccinated, and store the certificates from the veterinarian, ready to show. These records are the basis during a Veterinary Inspection check and for trade in and movement of poultry, so it is worth keeping them up to date.
Does ND vaccination protect against avian influenza?add
No. Newcastle disease (ND) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are two different diseases. An ND vaccine does not protect against HPAI, and in Poland mandatory vaccination against HPAI is not routinely carried out — that is a separate topic. Treat the two diseases separately when planning vaccinations.
Record your flock’s vaccinations in DlaFerm.pl
In DlaFerm.pl, next to the flock card, you note the vaccination dates, the vaccine batch number and the bird count, and attach the documents from the veterinarian in the notes — all in one place, ready for an inspection. Create a free account or write to us.
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