Two new poultry keepers concerned by the disease

The Federal Agency for Safety in the The food chain (Afsca) found on Monday two new outbreaks of Newcastle disease among poultry owners in Ninove and Eeklo in East Flanders. Protection zones of 500 meters have been defined.

Within these zones, each holder of poultry or pigeons must make an inventory of his animals and transmit it to the mayor of his commune. He must also vaccinate them (with the exception of ducks, geese and dwarf quail) or hold proof of a valid vaccination and refrain from transporting them. These measures will apply for a minimum of 21 days

These two new cases are in addition to the 14 already identified since April 26, 2018. On July 2, general measures were taken for all private owners of domestic poultry in Belgium: the ban on the collection of such amateur poultry and their sale to and by private individuals

The Newcastle disease virus is highly contagious. Man is not sensitive, however, and the consumption of eggs or poultry meat is safe.