The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed five cases of virulent Newcastle disease in backyard birds in San Bernardino County, California.
The confirmation of these five cases comes less than two weeks after virulent Newcastle disease, formerly known as exotic Newcastle disease, was detected in a backyard flock of exhibition chickens in Los Angeles County, California. One of the more recent cases was confirmed on May 24, while the other four were confirmed on May 26. The case confirmed on May 24 involved mixed species of backyard birds, while the four most recently confirmed cases all involved backyard chickens.
According to a press release from APHIS, samples from the four flocks recently confirmed to have the disease were tested at the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS). The APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirms all findings. APHIS is working closely with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to respond to these findings and to conduct an epidemiological investigation. Federal and State partners are also conducting additional surveillance and testing in the area.
None of the five affected flocks were from commercial flocks, and the last case of virulent Newcastle disease to be found in commercial poultry in the United States occurred in 2003.
Recommended precautions
In very rare instances, people working directly with sick birds can become infected, but no human cases of Newcastle disease have ever occurred from eating poultry products, according to APHIS. Symptoms are usually very mild and limited to conjunctivitis. Infection is easily prevented by using standard personal protective equipment.
It is essential that all bird owners follow good biosecurity practices to help protect their birds from infectious diseases, the agency emphasized. 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 state or federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or USDA’s toll-free number at +1.866.536.7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found on the Biosecurity for Birds webpage.
