Newcastle Disease
June 1, 2020.
March 2019, virulent Newcastle Disease (vND) outbreak in California was confirmed in the following counties: Alameda, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino. See Clinical Signs of the disease below.
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This is a foreign animal disease that has not been seen in California since 2002. The current outbreak is particularly concerning because of the most recent case Alameda County demonstrates that the disease can spread anywhere. The disease has never spread this far north before. It is primarily spread among backyard birds and has ‘spilled over’ into several commercial farms in Southern California. Virulent Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious and deadly virus in birds; the virus is found in respiratory discharges and feces. Virulent Newcastle disease is not a food safety concern. No human cases of Newcastle disease have ever occurred from eating poultry products. Properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat. In very rare instances people working directly with sick birds can become infected. Symptoms are usually very mild, and limited to conjunctivitis and/or influenza-like symptoms. Infection is easily prevented by using standard personal protective equipment. |
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should report sick birds or unusual bird deaths through: California’s Sick Bird Hotline Additional information on vND can be found at:
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About Newcastle Disease
This is a foreign animal disease that has not been seen in California since 2002. The current outbreak is particularly concerning because of the most recent case Alameda County demonstrates that the disease can spread anywhere. The disease has never spread this far north before. It is primarily spread among backyard birds and has ‘spilled over’ into several commercial farms in Southern California.
Virulent Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious and deadly virus in birds; the virus is found in respiratory discharges and feces.
Virulent Newcastle disease is not a food safety concern. No human cases of Newcastle disease have ever occurred from eating poultry products. Properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat. In very rare instances people working directly with sick birds can become infected. Symptoms are usually very mild, and limited to conjunctivitis and/or influenza-like symptoms. Infection is easily prevented by using standard personal protective equipment.
Additional Resources
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should report sick birds or unusual bird deaths through:
California’s Sick Bird Hotline
866-922-BIRD (2473)
Additional information on vND can be found at:
- CDFA's Virulent Newcastle Disease Updates
- USDA's Virulent NewCastle Disease