The first case of virulent Newcastle disease in the U.S. since 2003 has been confirmed in a small flock of backyard exhibition chickens in Los Angeles County, California. In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to State/Federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 866-536-7593.
Source: WattAgNet, May 18, 2018. Link.
It is essential that all bird owners follow good biosecurity practices to help protect their birds from infectious diseases, the agency emphasized. These include simple steps like washing hands and scrubbing boots before and after entering a poultry area; cleaning and disinfecting tires and equipment before moving them off the property; and isolating any birds returning from shows for 30 days before placing them with the rest of the flock.
INSIGHTS: Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at Biosecurity for Birds website.