October 17, 2006

UK confirms Newcastle Disease in poultry

Newcastle Disease on a poultry farm in East Lothian in Scotland has been confirmed, according to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The results from Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge follow investigation of the highly contagious disease which mostly affects only poultry. France was hit by Newcastle disease last year and Brazil reported a case this year. Both have suffered partial bans imposed on the affected regions from other countries.

The Scottish Executive, Defra and the State Veterinary Service are investigating the source of the disease and the threat it may pose to other poultry.

Poultry on the farm would be culled and a three kilometre protection zone and a 10 kilometer surveillance zone have been established.

In both areas, the movements of poultry, captive birds and hatching eggs are restricted and bird shows are banned.