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| Credit USDA |
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More than three months after the USDA Confirmed Virulent Newcastle Disease In Backyard Flock - California and six weeks after California enacted the first of two quarantine measures, the number of backyard flocks affected by this virulent poultry disease continue to rise.
At the time of our last update 9 days ago (see California: CDFA Expands Quarantine For Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND)), the CDFA had reported - 93 cases of VND in backyard birds in California; 73 in San Bernardino County, 8 in Riverside County and 12 in Los Angeles County.Since then, and additional 24 outbreaks in backyard birds have been reported, with a single case having been reported from a 4th county (Ventura). The most recent update from the USDA reads:
Virulent Newcastle Disease
Last Modified: Aug 24, 2018
Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND), formerly known as Exotic Newcastle Disease is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry. The disease is so virulent that many birds and poultry die without showing any clinical signs.
vND is not a food safety concern. No human cases of Newcastle disease have ever occurred from eating poultry products. Properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat. In very rare instances people working directly with sick birds can become infected with mild symptoms.
vND has not been found in commercial poultry in the U.S. since 2003.
Since May 18, USDA has confirmed 117 cases of vND in backyard birds in California, 84 in San Bernardino County, 16 in Riverside County, 16 in Los Angeles County and 1 in Ventura County:
As mentioned above, while there is a slight risk of human infection, illness is generally mild and usually presents as conjunctivitis. The real threat is to the poultry industry, should the virus find its way again into commercial flocks.
To date, no commercial poultry farms have been hit by this latest outbreak. This is, however, the first Newcastle outbreak reported in poultry in the United States in 15 years, although detections in wild birds have occurred (cite).According to the California Dept. of Food & Agriculture, the last outbreak in commercial poultry (in 2003) led to the depopulation of 3.16 million birds at a cost of $161 million. Prior to that, in 1971, an outbreak in Southern California led the culling of 12 million birds.
While currently limited to Southern California, poultry raisers - large and small across North America - should be cognizant of, and practice, good biosecurity in order to defend their flock against a variety of threats, including VND and Avian flu.
From the USDA:
Biosecurity Explained – 6 Simple Steps
Last Modified: Dec 12, 2016
Related Links
Know the Signs of Disease and How to Report Suspected Illness
Campaign Resources and Materials
Biosecurity and Wild Birds
Biosecurity for Pet Birds
Biosecurity for Birds
As a poultry owner, you know how important it is to keep your birds healthy. By practicing biosecurity, you can help reduce the chances of your birds being exposed to animal diseases such as avian influenza (AI) or exotic Newcastle disease (END).
"Biosecurity" may not be a common household word. But, for poultry and bird owners it can spell the difference between health and disease. Practicing biosecurity can help keep disease away from your farm, and keep your birds healthy.
Biosecurity: Make it Your Daily Routine
Consistent biosecurity practices are the best way to prevent diseases such as AI and END. The following steps can help you keep your birds healthy:
Keep your distance Isolate your birds from visitors and other birds.Report sick birds Report unusual signs of disease or unexpected deaths.
Keep it clean Prevent germs from spreading by cleaning shoes, tools and equipment.
Don't haul disease home Also clean vehicles and cages.
Don't borrow disease from your neighbor Avoid sharing tools and equipment with neighbors.
Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases Watch for early signs to prevent the spread of disease
Making biosecurity a part of your daily routine while caring for your birds can decrease the chance of END or AI showing up on your doorstep.
