Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 1/21/19


USDA confirmed the first outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease in a small flock of backyard chickens in Utah, as California officials continue to fight outbreaks that have resulted in culling 500,000 birds since May 2018.

The agency and its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) said the disease has been contained so far in a single domestic flock of exhibition chickens in Utah and has not been detected in any local commercial flocks. The usually fatal viral disease affects the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of poultry and birds, but is not a threat to humans who may consume poultry products. Newcastle disease is spread when sick birds come into contact with healthy birds.

The Utah outbreak is believed to be linked to the California outbreak since three of the birds from Los Angeles County were recently moved to Utah, according to a USDA alert.

Meanwhile, the fight against the spread of Newcastle disease in California continues, specifically through a recommendation that birds from three affected counties not participate in poultry exhibitions in other parts of the state. California Dept. of Food and Agriculture Veterinarian Annette Jones also recommended other biosecurity measures, including disinfection efforts, transportation limits and cleaning boots and equipment before they are moved off potentially infected properties.

APHIS confirmed a Newcastle disease outbreak at a third commercial flock in California less than two weeks ago.

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