Last Modified: May 25, 2018
Contacts:
Joelle Hayden
301-851-4040
Joelle.r.hayden@aphis.usda.gov
Lyndsay Cole
970-494-7410
Lyndsay.m.cole@aphis.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2018 -- The United States Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
is reminding bird owners about the need for biosecurity after the
confirmation of a case of virulent Newcastle disease, and the
identification of one additional presumptive positive case, in backyard
birds in San Bernardino County, California. Virulent Newcastle disease
has not been found in commercial poultry in the United States since
2003.
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.
Additional cases will be reported on the APHIS website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian-influenza-disease/vnd" rel="nofollow - http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/vnd as they are confirmed.
Samples from the flocks, which experienced increased mortality, 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 is investigating any potential links between these cases
and the case recently identified in Los Angeles County. Federal and
State partners are also conducting additional surveillance and testing
in the area.
Biosecurity Basics
APHIS is reminding anyone who
owns, shows, or works with birds or poultry to increase their
biosecurity practices immediately, especially in the Southern California
area. Biosecurity includes simple steps like washing hands and
scrubbing boots before and after entering an area with birds; 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. Bird owners should also
limit visitor contact with their birds, and not let anyone else who owns
birds come in contact with their flock to avoid potentially
sharing/spreading germs between flocks.
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 Biosecurity for Birds website.
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 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian-influenza-disease/birdbiosecurity/photo-gallery" rel="nofollow - here .
Source: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2018/sa-05/vnd" rel="nofollow - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2018/sa-05/vnd