Virulent Newcastle disease in backyard exhibition poultry flocks continues to be a concern in California, as the number of confirmed cases since May has reached 93.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), four new cases were confirmed on August 9, seven were confirmed on August 8, three were confirmed on August 7 and two were confirmed on August 3.
To date, all 93 cases of virulent Newcastle disease, formerly known as exotic Newcastle disease, confirmed in 2018 have been limited to three California counties: Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino. The first case of virulent Newcastle disease was confirmed in a backyard exhibition chicken flock in Los Angeles County on May 17.
A complete list of confirmed cases is available on the APHIS website.
Virulent Newcastle disease has not been found in commercial poultry in the United States since 2003.
APHIS reminds consumers that 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. Infection is easily prevented by using standard personal protective equipment.
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/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 at the Biosecurity for Birds website.
