Newcastle disease confirmed in herd of Utah

For the first time, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Phytosanitary Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of virulent Newcastle disease in a small flock of broiler chickens (250) in Utah County, Utah.

It is thought that this case is related to the current outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease in California, while three of the birds on the scene were recently transferred from Los Angeles County, California to Utah.

In Utah, the disease is currently contained in a single domestic flock and has not been detected in any commercial poultry flock.

Since May 2018, 299 cases of Newcastle disease have been confirmed in southern California, mainly in garden birds.

Agriculture officials say that virulent Newcastle disease is not a food security problem. Consumption of poultry products has never caused Newcastle disease in humans. Well cooked poultry products are safe for health. In very rare cases, people working directly with sick birds can become infected.

"The disease spreads when healthy birds come in contact with the body fluids of infected birds and contaminated surfaces," said Dr. Barry Pittman, UDAF veterinarian. This disease can be transmitted by manure, egg trays, crates, farm equipment, vehicles or people who have handled these materials, as well as their clothing, hands and shoes.

Viral Newcastle disease is a contagious and deadly viral disease that affects the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry. The disease is so virulent that many birds and poultry die without clinical signs. A mortality rate of almost 100% can occur in unvaccinated poultry flocks. Virulent Newcastle disease can infect and cause death, even in vaccinated poultry.

Clinical signs of virulent Newcastle disease include: sudden death and an increased number of deaths in the herd; to sneeze; Breathless; runny nose; cough; greenish and watery diarrhea; decrease in activity; tremors; falling wings; torsion of the head and neck; circling; complete stiffness; and swelling around the eyes and neck.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Utah (UDAF) advises you if you own domestic poultry (eg, chickens, geese or ducks) in the county of Å 39, Utah – and observe sick or dying birds – call 801-520-4311 immediately so that UDAF officials can follow.

Related: