26.08.2008

USA - Newcastle disease

The National Veterinary Service Laboratory has identified the virulent strain of Newcastle disease, VVND, in free-living cormorants, pelicans, and other birds in a number of lakes in Minnesota.  The Federal authorities including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and APHIS are cooperating with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and Department of Agriculture.
Previously, virulent Newcastle disease has been diagnosed in free-living cormorants in the upper Midwest, but there has been no record of infection extending to poultry flocks.
Both avian influenza and Newcastle disease may be carried by migratory waterfowl, and it is evident that all free-ranged commercial flocks and some confined flocks operated at a low level of biosecurity are susceptible to infection.