Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966 * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242 * FAX (512) 719-0719
James Lenarduzzi, DVM * Acting Executive Director
For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242,
ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us

For immediate release: February 7, 2003

Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Spreads to Arizona;
Outbreak Affects Trade with 34 Countries

Nearly two million birds have been destroyed in California and Nevada, where a task force comprised of more than 1,600 federal and state animal health employees is working to stop an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) that has infected or exposed six commercial poultry operations and nearly 1,700 noncommercial or 'backyard' flocks. The END eradication effort, which has been ongoing since October 2002, was dealt a setback Wednesday, Feb. 5, when Arizona Department of Agriculture officials announced END had spread to a small flock of backyard birds on the Colorado River Indian Tribe's reservation in Western Arizona. A highly contagious foreign viral disease, END affects only poultry and most species of birds, but it does not pose a health threat to humans, food or other animals.

"The END outbreak has crossed another state line, and we are very concerned that, without proper precautions, the disease could be transmitted to Texas poultry and birds," commented Dr. James Lenarduzzi, acting executive director for the Texas Animal Health Commission, the state's regulatory agency for livestock and poultry health. "Commercial flock movement has been stopped from the affected areas. However, many people with a large yard or country acreage own a few chickens for laying eggs, or for the enjoyment of having ducks, geese or other bird species are yard pets. Students often choose to raise poultry for their 4-H or agricultural science class project. Our biggest concern is that END-exposed birds could be transported to Texas by passenger vehicle, and then be introduced into a small, noncommercial flock."

"We are urging owners to exercise extreme caution when purchasing or moving new birds into their flock. Buyers should always know where the birds originated, and health papers issued by a veterinarian should accompany the shipment," said Dr. Lenarduzzi. "To keep END from spreading, everyone also must comply with the quarantine restrictions affecting birds, poultry and poultry products from southern California, southern Nevada and western Arizona." The quarantine includes the California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernadino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura. In Nevada, Clark County and a portion of Nye County are quarantined, and in Arizona, La Paz County is quarantined.

Dr. Lenarduzzi explained that the impact of an END outbreak goes far beyond a state's borders. "At least 34 countries, including Russia, Spain, Brazil, China, and Mexico have suspended the importation of poultry and poultry products from the states affected by the END outbreak. Texas' poultry industry, which ranks sixth in the U.S. for egg and broiler production, needs international markets. If Texas experiences an END outbreak, our poultry industry will suffer severe economic loss from the trade embargoes."

"If END is introduced into Texas, we must learn about it and deal with it appropriately," said Dr. Lenarduzzi. He asked bird and poultry owners in Texas to call the TAHC's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-550-8242 to report unexpected death losses, severe illness affecting the flock, or signs of disease in birds, including gasping, muscular tremors or paralysis. Dr. Lenarduzzi said a TAHC or U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian is on call at all times to accept reports and initiate a disease investigation.


(from http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/)