A deadly and extremely contagious viral disease is killing chickens in southern California, including in San Bernardino County. Managing editor Tami Roleff warns poultry owners to be on the watch for Virulent Newcastle Disease…
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 Monday, July 16, 55 confirmed cases have been found in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties, including 51 just in San Bernardino County. Prior to the first case reported on May 18, no cases had been reported in commercial poultry since 2003. 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. More information can be found at the following link: 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.
