Newcastle disease is spreading fast in California backyard flocks!

[micstrachan]

From what I understand the biosecurity measures taken by inspectors there won't help the situation. Good luck to those of you that live there.

Oh dear. You mean culling flicks of backyard chickens is occurring and won’t even help? Or did I miseinterpret your post?

 

[Eggcessive]

There are 3 types of Newcastles Disease, the exotic or virulent strain being the most deadly, until recently had not been seen in the US for many years, since 2003. In many cases, the first signs are dead chickens. Twisted neck, other nerve symptoms including paralysis, diarrhea and respiratory symptoms are common. There are vaccines to prevent it. It can be spread through the air, water, and droppings including bedding.

I am surprised if poultry shows and fairs are not cancelled where it is a danger. Here is some reading about the disease:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ou...erence-Guide/Poultry/Exotic-Newcastle-disease

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...virus-infections/newcastle-disease-in-poultry

http://animalsciencey.ucdavis.edu/avian/Exotic_Newcastle_Disease_in_Cage_Birds.htm

 

[igorsMistress]

Oh dear. You mean culling flicks of backyard chickens is occurring and won’t even help? Or did I miseinterpret your post?

No, people have reported preliminary inspectors aren't wearing any protection when visiting. I don't know if that's true in all cases but if they are going to homes without clean gear then that certainly won't help.

 

[ChickNanny13]

No, people have reported preliminary inspectors aren't wearing any protection when visiting. I don't know if that's true in all cases but if they are going to homes without clean gear then that certainly won't help.

Inspectors may have the authority to inspect but it's your property and animals ... I wouldn't let them in unless they were properly attired. There is such a thing a disposable suits/over the shoes things, they should be changed upon entering & leaving each property.

There are 3 types of Newcastles Disease, the exotic or virulent strain being the most deadly, until recently had not been seen in the US for many years, since 2003. In many cases, the first signs are dead chickens. Twisted neck, other nerve symptoms including paralysis, diarrhea and respiratory symptoms are common. There are vaccines to prevent it. It can be spread through the air, water, and droppings including bedding.

I am surprised if poultry shows and fairs are not cancelled where it is a danger. Here is some reading about the disease:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ou...erence-Guide/Poultry/Exotic-Newcastle-disease

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poul...virus-infections/newcastle-disease-in-poultry

http://animalsciencey.ucdavis.edu/avian/Exotic_Newcastle_Disease_in_Cage_Birds.htm

2x Surprised Poultry Shows/Fairs not cancelled. I sure wouldn't be taking my animals, risking contamination. Not worth it.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

The lady from the USDA who I spoke to said that they are depopulating (the factory farming industry’s term for culling) all egg and meat birds within a certain mile radius of where the first case was found. Also anyone within this radius who has chickens will have to have them tested and if they do have Newcastles they will be culled.

 

[BlueBaby]

Can mosquito's spread Newcastles too? It seem's that they spread many diseases.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Spoke to my friend who works for the USDA today and she said that they first go door to door in a 1 kilometer radius from the first place the Newcastle was found and then they expand to a 3 kilometer radius. The majority of the birds that they are dealing with are fighting birds and many of the owners are Hispanic and don’t understand the purpose of quarantine. She also said that if someone who is going door to door finds sick or dead birds that they are sent home for the day after finding them. They do wear those hazmat suits when they depopulate the birds.

 

[casportpony]

If anyone in suspects Newcastle they should "contact your agricultural extension office/agent, local veterinarian, local animal health diagnostic laboratory, or the State Veterinarian. Or, call USDA toll free at 1-866-536- 7593, and we’ll put you in touch with a local contact."
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/fs-vnd.pdf

 

[casportpony]

California Residents​

Call the State Bird Hotline (866-922-2473)
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/anima...orBirdOwners_END_CDFA-USDA_Version_030811.pdf

 

[casportpony]

I am surprised if poultry shows and fairs are not cancelled where it is a danger.

I read that one of the shows in Southern California has been postponed. Here are the California shows:
https://www.poultryshowcentral.com/California.html