NEWS HEADLINES

Birds in LA County found infected with contagious, fatal virus

(Los Angeles-AP) -- Officials say some birds in Los Angeles County have been found to be infected with exotic Newcastle disease -- one of the most infectious diseases of poultry in the world.

US Department of Agriculture spokesman Larry Hawkins confirmed that more than one case of the disease had been found in the county. He would not say what types of birds were affected, or how many, but says none of the cases involved commercial poultry.

The disease was discovered when a bird owner reported a high mortality rate among his flock. A DNA analysis of the birds confirmed the disease and the birds, including those used in illegal cockfights, were destroyed.

Hawkins says the department is conducting investigations in LA, Riverside and San Bernardino counties to determine the source and distribution of the disease.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

File date: Friday, October 04, 2002

SAN DIEGO -- An outbreak of Exotic Newcastle disease detected in small flocks of "backyard" birds in Southern California is being investigated by the state Department of Food and Agriculture. The disease, which is often deadly, is known to spread rapidly, but does not pose a threat to the public, according to Steve Lyle of the CDFA.

It has not been detected in commercial flocks, but the state has suspended poultry exhibits at fairgrounds, he said. In 1971, a major outbreak affected California poultry.

Bird owners should also be on the lookout for sneezing, listlessness, coughing, nasal discharge, diarrhea or sudden death in pets, which can be infected by coming into contact with infected wild birds or contact with contaminated materials, according to the CDFA.

"I urge all bird owners to contact their veterinarians or CDFA immediately if they suspect the disease," said CDFA Secretary Bill J. Lyons Jr.

Bird owners also should avoid moving or selling birds for the meantime. Suspicious bird illnesses can be reported by calling (800) 491-1889.

Copyright 2002 by TheSanDiegoChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

10/04/2002

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

An outbreak of exotic Newcastle disease, one of the most infectious diseases of poultry in the world, has been found in small flocks of backyard birds, including some used in illegal cockfights, government officials said Thursday.

Steve Lyle, spokesman for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, said one case of the disease has been confirmed in Montebello. The disease is suspected in cases in Norco in Riverside County, Compton and Lancaster, he said. All of the cases involve owners of individual birds, not commercial flocks, he said.

Larry Hawkins, a spokesman with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said the department is conducting investigations in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties to determine the source and distribution of the disease.

The disease was discovered when a bird owner reported a high mortality rate among his flock. A DNA analysis of the birds confirmed the infection and the birds were destroyed, Hawkins said.

Past outbreaks of exotic Newcastle disease have severely affected the poultry industry. In 1971, a major outbreak in Southern California threatened the entire U.S. poultry and egg supply.

The eradication program cost taxpayers $56 million and dramatically increased poultry prices.