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The first outbreak of Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND) reported in the United States in 15 years - which we began following last May (see APHIS: USDA Confirms Virulent Newcastle Disease In Backyard Flock - California) - appears to have jumped from Southern California to the state of Utah.
While Virulent Newcastle Diseaseposes only a minor threat to human health, it can be devastating to poultry.Up until mid-December, all of the outbreaks in this recent California epizootic had affected backyard poultry. Over the past month, however, at least 3 commercial flocks have been also been affected (see last Monday's California: USDA Confirms 3rd Commercial Poultry Flock Hit With Virulent Newcastle Disease).
On Friday the USDA announced the the first detection of the virus in a backyard flock in Utah. One with epidemiological links to the Southern California outbreak.
USDA Confirms Virulent Newcastle Disease in Backyard Exhibition Birds in Utah, Not a Food Safety Concern
Last Modified: Jan 18, 2019
WASHINGTON, January 18, 2019 - The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of virulent Newcastle disease in a small flock of backyard exhibition chickens in Utah County, Utah. This is the first case of virulent Newcastle disease in Utah.
This case is believed to be connected to the current outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease in California, as three of the birds at the premises were recently moved to Utah from Los Angeles County, California. Since May 2018, 299 cases of Newcastle disease have been confirmed in Southern California, primarily in backyard exhibition birds.We also have this announcement from the Utah Department of Agriculture.
Virulent Newcastle disease 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. Symptoms are usually very mild, and limited to conjunctivitis and/or influenza-like symptoms. Infection is easily prevented by using standard personal protective equipment.
APHIS is working with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food to respond to the finding. Federal and State partners are also conducting additional surveillance and testing in the area.
It is essential that all bird owners follow good biosecurity practices to help protect their birds from infectious diseases. These include simple steps like washing hands and scrubbing boots before and after entering a poultry area; cleaning and disinfecting tires and equipment before moving them off the property; and isolating any birds returning from shows for 30 days before placing them with the rest of the flock.
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to their veterinarian or to State veterinary officials. Additional information on biosecurity for all poultry flocks can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/defendtheflock.
Additional background
Virulent 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. A death rate of almost 100 percent can occur in unvaccinated poultry flocks. Virulent Newcastle disease can infect and cause death even in vaccinated poultry.
Clinical signs of virulent Newcastle disease include: sudden death and increased death loss in the flock; sneezing; gasping for air; nasal discharge; coughing; greenish, watery diarrhea; decreased activity; tremors; drooping wings; twisting of the head and neck; circling; complete stiffness; and swelling around the eyes and neck. Images of some of these signs are available here.
Virulent Newcastle Disease Found in Exhibition Poultry in Utah County
(Salt Lake City) – The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) confirms that exhibition poultry (i.e., privately owned/non-commercial chickens), imported from California at the beginning of January and placed with a small domestic flock (250 birds) in Utah County, have tested positive for Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND). This is the first confirmed case of VND in Utah.
UDAF authorities received a report of a possible case of VND in Utah County earlier this week and quarantined the site. Yesterday, the presence of VND in the birds was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa.
The birds were brought to Utah from California, which is currently experiencing an active outbreak of VND. In Utah, the disease is currently contained to one domestic flock and has not been detected in any commercial poultry flocks.
In California, where the suspect birds originated, there have been 299 confirmed cases of VND since May 2018.
VND does not pose a food safety concern. No human cases of VND have ever occurred from eating poultry products.
However, VND is a contagious and fatal viral disease that affects all species of birds, including poultry. Even birds that have been vaccinated are susceptible. Most birds die without showing any clinical signs. Signs in affected birds can include sudden death, sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing, green and watery diarrhea, drooping wings, tremors, circling, and swelling around the eyes and neck.
“The disease is spread when healthy birds come in contact with bodily fluids from infected birds, and contaminated surfaces,” said UDAF State Veterinarian, Dr. Barry Pittman. This disease can be transmitted through manure, egg flats, crates, farming materials or equipment, vehicles, or through people who have handled these materials and their clothing, hands and shoes.
If you own domestic poultry (e.g., chickens, geese or ducks) in Utah County—and you observe any sick or dying birds—call 801-520-4311 immediately so that UDAF officials can follow up. To report sick or dead wild birds, contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office in Springville at 385-368-1128.
