Statement Regarding Exotic Newcastle Disease in Nevada

Reno- Dr. David Thain, State Veterinarian, Nevada Department of Agriculture, confirmed Exotic Newcastle Disease in a backyard poultry flock located in Las Vegas. Due to the serious economic impact on Nevada's poultry industry and possibly the wild bird population, a quarantine has been imposed on the movement or sale of all birds and poultry south of the Amargosa Valley (Southern Nye County).

Dr. Thain said, "We are currently putting a surveillance plan together and will have a stakeholder meeting Friday morning at 8 a.m. Poultry flocks south of the Amargosa Valley will be tested. Flocks testing positive for END will be humanely destroyed. Flock owners will be compensated at fair market value."

Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting all species of birds. END is probably one of the most infectious diseases of poultry in the world. END is so virulent that many birds die without showing any clinical signs. A death rate of almost 100 percent can occur in unvaccinated poultry flocks. END can infect and cause death even in vaccinated poultry.

Exotic Newcastle Disease was diagnosed in backyard poultry flocks in Southern California on October 1, 2002. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are currently conducting an eradication campaign for END with a team of over 600 people. 5,712 premises have been quarantined and investigations ongoing. 1,206 of these premises contained birds infected or exposed to END. All birds in these flocks have been or will be humanely destroyed. All affected premises are being cleaned and disinfected after the birds have been removed.

Contact numbers for citizens with birds:
Las Vegas - 702 486-4690
Reno - 1-888-228-5239
Rural Nevada - 1-800-992-0900