June 16, 2020

California, US declares success in eradicating Newcastle disease

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced an end to the virulent Newcastle disease (VND) quarantine in Southern California, the United States.

Extensive testing of the regulated area has been completed, with no additional detections of the disease. This allows poultry to move freely within California.  

"We have eagerly anticipated this day and are extremely proud of the tireless work of the Virulent Newcastle Disease Task Force," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "While we extend gratitude to the hundreds of dedicated and skilled USDA, CDFA and California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System employees who worked for over two years to achieve this goal, often in adverse conditions, we also want to thank the thousands of poultry owners in Southern California who made the sacrifices and investments needed to eradicate this virus from California."

VND was first detected in May 2018 in Los Angeles County. By December 2018, the virus had spread extensively in backyard poultry in the LA Basin and also infected commercial flocks. 

After prolonged disease control efforts, the last confirmed positive case was detected in February 2020. Testing has continued throughout the area since that time to gain assurance that the disease was eradicated.

To continue to protect California flocks, poultry entering California must either have a certificate of veterinary inspection demonstrating good health or a National Poultry Improvement Program certificate.

CDFA retains the authority to monitor and test poultry so that any future infections can be stopped quickly, minimising potential harm. Additionally, CDFA and USDA, in partnership with many bird enthusiasts in Southern California, are committed to ongoing monitoring for disease and continual support for biosecurity training.

All backyard poultry owners and commercial operations are encouraged to practice biosecurity measures to help prevent the introduction of disease when people enter or depart the premises, to routinely check birds for signs of illness, and report any incidence of suspected VND or other bird diseases.

California State Veterinarian Dr Annette Jones said: "We hope to continue working with bird-owning communities to prevent a reintroduction of widespread disease, so that we never have to place an areawide VND quarantine in Southern California again."

- CDFA