A hybrid event on 17 September 2026 marked the centenary of Newcastle disease research, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reported on 18 September 2026. Scientists, veterinarians and animal health specialists from the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, Pakistan and the United States took part, reviewing a century of progress against a viral disease that continues to cause economic losses and affect food security, trade and livelihoods in many countries.

Hosted at APHA Weybridge by the World Organisation for Animal Health Reference Centre for Newcastle Disease, the event included presentations on the disease's history and global impact and on current work to strengthen surveillance, monitor viral evolution and support rapid outbreak responses. Speakers included Professor Ian Brown of the Pirbright Institute, the US Department of Agriculture, the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences in Lahore, the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute in Germany and the EU Reference Laboratory in Italy.

APHA said Newcastle disease was first identified in 1926 by veterinarian TM Doyle near Newcastle upon Tyne, and that the last UK outbreak was in 2006. The agency said a recording of the presentations would be made available to registered delegates on request.