Deadly Exotic Newcastle Disease Found in California on October 1, 2002!
Extremely Contagious, Usually Fatal

Exotic Newcastle Disease is a very serious, contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects most species of birds. Many birds die without showing any signs of the disease, but some bird species can be infected without any signs and spread the disease to other birds with fatal consequences. END can only be eradicated by rapidly identifying and humanely destroying all infected and exposed birds. Affected facilities require extensive cleaning and disinfection to get rid of the disease and prevent reinfection.

Exotic Newcastle is also a threat to caged birds. Cockatiels, budgies, amazons, and cockatoos are highly susceptible to END. Other species such as Lorys, macaws, canaries, finches, Mynahs, and African greys may not show signs but may act as carriers. Birds illegally smuggled into the United States are not quarantined and tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and therefore may carry the exotic Newcastle virus.

The disease does not pose a risk to human health. Poultry and egg products are safe to consume. In rare cases, END has caused conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people, such as laboratory workers, exposed to high levels of the virus.

Exotic Newcastle Disease is a federal reportable disease. Any person who suspects this disease exists should immediately report the disease to the State Veterinarian or Department of Agriculture. It is vitally important that any outbreaks are contained and eradicated to prevent this contagious disease from spreading.

A number of END outbreaks have occurred between 1950 and 1998. Each time the disease was eradicated in the US. New outbreaks were the result of importations from other countries. END has caused the death of millions of birds - both poultry and pet birds - and has threatened both industries.

The current outbreak has affected counties in CA, NM, AZ, NV and TX. Quarantines have been removed from all states but CA.

According to the CDFA, as of July 23, 2003, 18,340 premises have been quarantined, 2,148 premises have been depopulated - 22 of which are commercial poultry facilities, 3,016,000 birds have been destroyed and 581 people are currently working in southern CA to eradicate the disease. 8,417 premises have been released from quarantine.

While it is not known exactly when the regional quarantines will be lifted, it is likely that some areas may be released over the next few months and potentially, all quarantines may be removed by the end of the year, providing that no additional disease is found.

As of July 27, 2003, the Federal quarantine area includes California - Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura and part of Kern counties.

USDA APHIS reports 3,923,678 birds have been put to death in CA, 269 in AZ and 2,746 in NV, 1,871 in TX, a total of 3,928,564. Number of positive premises - 920 CA, 1 AZ, 10 NV, 1 TX, total 932. Total premises quarantined - 18,427 (7,083 released) in CA, 67 (67 released) AZ, 155 (155 released) NV, 497 (473 released) TX, total 19,146. Total premises depopulated - 2,514 CA, 6 AZ, 147 NV, 41 TX, total 2,708. Total commercial flocks affected by END - 22 flocks - 4 premises in Riverside County (3 infected and 1 contact), 7 premises in San Diego County (7 infected), and 11 premises in San Bernardino County (11 infected). Arizona and Nevada are completed operations and theirs are final numbers. For more status information see Emergency Management Warning 108.

In CA currently 11,206 premises are quarantined. Positive premesis - 1 commercial location. Contact premises - 4 backyard locations. 642 personnel assigned.

Effective July 30, 2003 all but a portion of San Diego County in California were removed from quarantine. Reduction in Quarantine Area Federal Register 08/04/03 (PDF).

On Tuesday, September 16, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an end to the Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) quarantine. Extensive testing of the regulated area has been completed with no additional detections of the disease. California Statewide Quarantine Lifted – CDFA News Release and USDA Lifts Quarantine for Newcastle Disease in CA in the of Federal Register September 19th. On August 4, 2003, all but 7,300 square miles of the quarantine was released. This latest action lifts the regional quarantine in California and once again permits poultry exhibitions. The outbreak cost more than $160 million to fight and resulted in the depopulation of more than 3 million birds.

According to the CDFA on September 16th update at CDFA Update 72 in California revised statistics show 3,016,000 birds were destroyed, 2148 premises were depopulated and 18,344 premises were under quarantine.

END General Information
Disease Overview Transmission & Prevention		History - Past Outbreaks END Links & Contacts
Current Outbreak
Current Outbreak Quarantine Announcements/Areas USDA Quarantine Information California Quarantine Information California Caged Birds Policy		Nevada Quarantine Information Arizona Quarantine Information Texas Quarantine Information Policies of Unaffected States