NEWCASTLE DISEASE, GAME BIRDS -USA (TEXAS) (02):CONFIRMED
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Date: 10 Apr 2003
From: Carla Everett <ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us>
Source: Official TAHC news release


NEWS RELEASE
Texas Animal Health Commission
Box l2966  * Austin, Texas 78711 * (800) 550-8242  * FAX (512) 719-0719
Bob Hillman, DVM * Executive Director


For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242,
ext. 710, or ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us


For immediate release April 10, 2003

Exotic Newcastle Disease Confirmed in Texas; 5 Counties Quarantined in 
Texas and New Mexico

Birds and poultry movement from 5 counties in Texas and New Mexico is being 
prohibited after laboratory tests completed late Wednesday, 9 Apr 2003, 
confirmed Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) had infected a backyard flock of 
chickens last week near El Paso.  As a preemptive measure, state and 
federal animal health regulatory officials earlier this week destroyed  the 
flock, but are concerned that END, a highly contagious foreign-origin 
virus, may have spread to other poultry and birds in the area.

El Paso County has been quarantined by the Texas Animal Health Commission 
(TAHC), and the New Mexico Livestock Board has quarantined Luna, Dona Ana 
and Otero Counties in New Mexico.  By mid-afternoon Thursday, 10 Apr 
2003,  the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expected to place a 
federal quarantine on these counties, in addition to Hudspeth County in Texas.

"As of Wednesday evening, infection has been confirmed only in El Paso 
County," explained Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian and executive 
director for the TAHC.  "However, the 5 counties quarantined in Texas and 
New Mexico are considered to be a trade area in which there is significant 
movement of birds and poultry. State and federal authority  is being 
imposed so that disease surveillance, testing and diagnosis can be 
conducted.  It is customary for the USDA to quarantine additional counties, 
in order to create a 'buffer zone' around an infected county.  The END 
outbreak must be stopped before it spreads  to other backyard, hobbyist or 
exhibition flocks, or to the commercial poultry industry."

Dr. Hillman explained that the USDA is providing fair market payment for 
birds that must be destroyed during this disease outbreak.  He stressed 
that  END does not affect human health, nor does it affect poultry products 
or eggs.

"We are depending on bird and poultry owners to assist us in  eradicating 
this disease outbreak," said Dr. Steven England, state veterinarian for the 
New Mexico Livestock Board.  "Please report illness or unexpected death 
losses to your private veterinary practitioner or to the TAHC or New Mexico 
Livestock Board." The TAHC has a 24-hour hotline that can be reached at 
1-800-550-8242, and the New Mexico Livestock Board can be called at (505) 
841-6161.

END usually has a 2 to 15-day incubation period, and infected birds or 
poultry may exhibit signs of respiratory distress, including gasping or 
coughing.  The virus also affects the central nervous system, causing 
infected birds to become paralyzed, develop muscle tremors or twist their 
necks.  In some flocks, disease may strike quickly, and the only sign is 
death loss.

"We are asking for full cooperation from bird and poultry owners.  Do not 
move birds from the quarantine area.  Do not move birds within the area, 
either," he said.  "If at all possible, keep birds in isolation on your 
premise, and ensure that no birds are introduced onto your property during 
the quarantine period."

Dr. Hillman said that the quarantines will last until state and federal 
animal health officials are certain all disease has been eradicated and 
that it is safe to resume normal movement and activities.

"Take precautions," said Dr. Hillman. "Clean your boots prior to entering 
bird pens. You could pick up contaminated manure on your footwear at the 
feed store, at the coffee shop, or at your neighbor's place.  Use bleach 
and water or a commercial disinfectant to spray or dip your boots.  Wear 
clean clothes when working with the birds.  Clothing, too, can pick up 
viruses that can be transmitted to your birds."

"We can stop the spread of this disease, but only if we all work together 
quickly and cooperatively.  Report illness in your birds. Abide by the 
quarantines.  Practice good biosecurity," said Dr. England.  "By addressing 
this problem together, we can stop this disease before it has a chance to 
become widespread in Texas or New Mexico."

--
Carla Everett
<ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us>

[see also:
Newcastle disease, game birds - USA (Texas): suspect 20030407.0848
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty - USA (west) (09)20030407.0845
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty - USA (west) (08) 20030319.0685
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty - USA (west) (07) 20030315.0650
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty. - USA(West)(06) 20030311.0591
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty. - USA(West)(05) 20030309.0579
Newcastle Disease, game fowl, plty - USA (West)(04) 20030302.0523
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty. - USA (west)(03) 20030222.0463
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty. - USA (west)(02) 20030211.0372
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA) (06) 20030209.0353
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty. - USA (west) 20030206.0318
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty. - USA (CA,NV) (02) 20030204.0304
Newcastle disease, game fowl, poultry - USA (CA, NV) 20030127.0246
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA) (05) 20030117.0145
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA)(04) 20030116.0129
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA)(03) 20030108.0060
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA) (02) 20030104.0021
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA) 20030103.0014
2002
----
Newcastle disease, game birds - USA (TX): warning 20021006.5482
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA) 20021228.6147
Newcastle disease, game birds - USA (CA) (11) 20021221.6104
Newcastle disease, game birds - USA (CA) (02) 20021012.5533
Newcastle disease, game birds - USA (CA): OIE 20021004.5468]
........................tg/mpp


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