December 26, 2006

South Korea reports Newcastle disease

South Korean officials reported cases of Newcastle disease at a farm, only a few kilometres from the site of recent bird flu outbreak.

The disease was reported in Cheonan, south Chungcheong province, four kilometres from Asan where bird flu was discovered recently.

The Cheonan local government reported the deaths of about 10,000 chickens last week after exhibiting respiratory and central nervous system problems.

Close inspection confirmed the cause of the deaths to be Newcastle disease, a highly contagious zoonotic bird disease.

A total of around 15,000 chickens were being raised on the farm, the remaining 5,000 of which have been slaughtered.

The government has now restricted the movement of chickens from the farm.