MORE COMMERCIAL POULTRY FACILITIES IDENTIFIED WITH EXOTIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE

Regional quarantine expanded to San Diego and Orange Counties

SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture have received laboratory confirmation of Exotic Newcastle Disease in two additional commercial egg-laying facilities. One facility is located within the original quarantine zone in San Bernardino County. The second facility is located in San Diego County.

Both facilities were identified when early symptoms of the disease were reported to practicing veterinarians. Confirmation was made by the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in San Bernardino.

Effective immediately, the regional quarantine zone has been expanded to include San Diego and Orange Counties. While Orange County does not currently have flocks known to be infected with Exotic Newcastle Disease, the county is at risk because it is surrounded by areas infected with the virus. This is a necessary requirement to attempt to prevent further spread of the disease.

“This is an alarming situation that seriously threatens our poultry industry,” said CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. “We are working with the industry and our partners in the federal government to respond quickly and decisively.”

Exotic Newcastle Disease had previously been confirmed at a commercial operation in Riverside County. The disease does not pose a risk to human health. Poultry and egg products are safe to consume.

Poultry and poultry products cannot be moved from the quarantined counties. Eggs, however, may be moved after they are washed, sanitized and packed in new materials.

Commercial poultry producers within the quarantine zone must comply with a mandatory reporting system that identifies increased mortality, decreased egg production, or any clinical symptoms suggestive of Exotic Newcastle Disease.


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