USDA Confirms Additional Case of Virulent Newcastle Disease

During the week of November 29 – December 5, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed one additional premises as positive for virulent Newcastle disease in San Bernardino County, California. 

Affected flocks are quickly euthanized.  Together, these actions will help us prevent additional disease spread and eradicate the disease more quickly.   

APHIS will only issue weekly stakeholder messages when there are new cases to report.  Samples are still being tested and confirmed as they are identified.  If there is a finding in a new state, APHIS 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. 

Samples from the flocks 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 to conduct an epidemiological investigation.  Federal and State partners are also conducting additional surveillance and testing in the area.

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 poultry flocks can be found at Defend the Flock.