YAKIMA
-- The state Department of Agriculture is warning people with
poultry, fowl and game birds to protect their flocks after an
outbreak of a highly infectious poultry disease was reported in
California.
There have been no reports of exotic Newcastle disease in
Washington, said state veterinarian Robert Mead.
But bird owners should report any signs of illness, such as
sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, listlessness or sudden death to
the state Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Mead said Monday.
The virus poses no human health threat, but some strains can kill
nearly 100 percent of an infected flock.
Game fowl shipped into Washington should be reported for testing.
A lab test is necessary to detect exotic Newcastle disease, which
can mimic other bird ailments. State and federal veterinarians can
work with private veterinarians at no charge to collect samples for
testing, the state said.
The virus can be spread among birds or via contaminated
materials, such as people's clothes and shoes.
