Virulent Newcastle Disease

Frequently Asked Questions about Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND)

Why do my birds have to be euthanized?

All birds that test positive for vND are euthanized. There is no cure. If a flock is too close to a positive flock, (next door, sharing a fence line, within the same block or blocks, etc.), it is possible that although birds test negative for vND, they may be euthanized because they have been exposed to the virus. Unfortunately, this is the only way to stop the spread of the disease. In areas where significant numbers of positive cases have been found, birds on entire blocks, or within sections of neighborhoods, may be euthanized to control the spread of disease.

How do you determine a quarantine area (control area) prohibiting the movement of birds?

An area is created around a positive property based upon distance and natural barriers, such as canals. This includes any properties that may be infected from close contact and, as a buffer, those where the infection has not spread.

How long will a quarantine remain in effect?

In addition to control area quarantines, there are individual property quarantines. Individual quarantines may be issued if you have birds on your property. Individual quarantines are also issued for all properties where birds are euthanized and removed. In this case, your property must remain clean, disease-free, and unpopulated with any birds (known as a fallow period) for a minimum of 120 days. Individual quarantines with birds and individual quarantines where birds have been euthanized, remain in effect until you receive a letter releasing your property from quarantine.

NOTE – No quarantines are released until you receive a letter from the state veterinarian. While a control zone release is a first step toward eradicating the disease, all individual quarantines must remain in effect until you receive a letter from the state veterinarian releasing your individual quarantine.

How does the disease spread?

Moving the birds is the primary way in which this disease may be spread. People in contact with sick birds can also move the virus on their hands, clothes, shoes, and equipment. It is important that residents who live in identified control areas DO NOT MOVE BIRDS OUT OF THE AREA OR INTRODUCE ANY NEW BIRDS TO THEIR PROPERTY until they are notified that the quarantine is released to prevent disease spread.

Is this disease contagious to humans?

People in extremely close contact with vND infected birds may develop redness or swelling in and around the eyes. Contracting a mild fever is also possible. As with any medical condition, if you are concerned, please consult your physician. Properly cooked meat and eggs from infected birds are safe to eat.

If my birds are vaccinated will they remain free of the disease?

Not necessarily. Within three to five days of being infected, most vaccinated birds (60%) will die from vND. The vaccinated birds that do survive can continue to shed the disease for months, potentially infecting otherwise healthy birds. Many vND vaccines do not prevent the infection, they only reduce the effect of the disease on the bird. For questions, or to report sick birds, please call UDAF at (801) 982-2235.