Last year, we reported on an outbreak of a deadly and extremely contagious viral disease that is killing chickens in southern California, including in San Bernardino County. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the disease is still affecting poultry flocks, and spreading…
Virulent Newcastle Disease is a contagious and fatal viral disease that affects the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems of poultry. The disease is so virulent that many birds die without even showing symptoms. As of September 27, 2019, USDA has confirmed 451 premises in California as infected with VND, including 260 in Riverside County, 142 in San Bernardino County, 45 in Los Angeles County, 1 in Ventura County, 1 in Alameda County, and 1 in San Diego County. USDA also confirmed 1 infected premises in Utah County, Utah and 1 infected premises in Coconino County, Arizona. At the end of 2018, there were only 104 infected premises in San Bernardino County and 175 total in southern California.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture urges bird owners to isolate any new birds for 30 days before placing them with the rest of your flock. In addition, bird owners should wash their hands and scrub boots before and after entering an area with birds and clean and disinfect tires and equipment before moving them off your property. All bird owners should report sick birds or unusual deaths to the USDA by calling 866-536-7593.
https://tinyurl.com/usda-newcastle
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 with mild symptoms.
