No New Cases of Virulent Newcastle Disease Confirmed This Week

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service did not confirm any new premises as positive for virulent Newcastle disease (vND) during the week of June 7-13.

Disease response efforts continue and anyone in the quarantine area should continue to remain vigilant in their biosecurity practices and report any 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 poultry flocks can be found at Defend the Flock.

USDA is announcing new premises confirmed with vND in California weekly.  Samples are still being tested and confirmed as they are identified.  If there is a finding in a new state, USDA will issue an announcement immediately.  A complete list of confirmed positive premises is available on our website at www.aphis.usda.gov/animalhealth/vnd.

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.