Statement from California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones
Thanks to cooperation from Southern California residents in very difficult circumstances, and a tremendous commitment from emergency response teams, the joint CDFA/USDA Virulent Newcastle Disease Project has found no new positive detections of the disease since June 4, 2019.
While this potentially moves us closer to eradication, we must emphasize that any subsequent detections would represent a significant setback.
This is an extremely critical time. It is imperative that bird owners continue to work together to ensure that previously-infected areas remain free from disease, and it is vital that all bird owners within the regional quarantine area of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties continue practicing enhanced biosecurity and do not move birds.
The VND project team will now survey and test in areas where disease has previously existed to make sure there are no remaining residual pockets of virus in poultry. However, it is important to recognize that the virus will remain in the environment for several more months, and that the risk of infection remains. If additional birds test positive, those birds and any exposed birds on adjacent properties will be euthanized.
Remember – we’re all in this together, and we must continue working together until virulent Newcastle disease is eradicated in California.