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Archive Number 20030505.1121
Published Date 05-MAY-2003
Subject PRO/AH/EDR> Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty - USA (west) (13)

NEWCASTLE DISEASE, GAME FOWL, POULTRY - USA (WEST)(13)
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[1]
Date: 2 May 2003
From: Thomas E Walton <thomas.e.walton@usda.gov>
Source: APHIS official release [edited]


Subject: Emergency Management Warning 88: Exotic Newcastle Disease 
Confirmed in the United States

Exotic Newcastle disease (END) was confirmed on 1 Oct 2002, in the State of 
California, and has now spread beyond backyard flocks to affect 22 
commercial operations in California.  On 16 Jan 2003, END was also 
confirmed in a backyard flock in the State of Nevada.  A backyard flock was 
confirmed with END on 4 Feb 2003, in the State of Arizona.  On 9 Apr 2003, 
END was confirmed in backyard fowl in Texas.

Clinical signs in infected birds include respiratory, nervous, and 
gastrointestinal signs.  Mortality is up to 90 percent of exposed 
birds.  Investigations are on-going and all figures are pending final 
validation.  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) personnel 
and other federal government personnel are working with the States to 
consider additional resources to meet the labor demands at the Task 
Forces.  APHIS has implemented a plan for enhanced national END surveillance.

Current Statistics (as of 8:00 p.m. PST, 27 Apr 2003)

Operations in Progress

Current Statistics: California / Texas / Total
Personnel Assigned: 1025 / 84 / 1109
Premises Currently Quarantined: 16 863 / 443 / 17 306
Current Positive Premises: CA:   877 backyard, 21 commercial
TX:   1 backyard,  0 commercial
Total: 878 backyard,   21 commercial
Current Contact Premises:  CA:  771 backyard,  1 commercial
TX:    39 backyard, 0 commercial
Total:  810 backyard, 1 commercial
Premises Pending Depopulation   20 / 0 / 20

Cumulative Statistics: California / Texas / Total
Total Premises Quarantined: 17 000 (+134) / 443 (+220) / 17 443 (+354)
Total Premises Released: 137 (+13) / 0 (no change) / 137 (+13)
Total Positive Premises: CA: 891 backyard (+2),  21 commercial (no change)
TX:       1 backyard (no change),   0 commercial (no change)
Total: 892 backyard (+2),  21 commercial (no change)
Total Premises Depopulated: 2429 (no change) / 40 (no change) / 2469 (no 
change)
Total Birds Depopulated: 3 491 154 / 2006 / 3 493 160
Counties with Quarantined Premises: Los Angeles,  Riverside, Orange, San 
Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, El Paso

Completed Operations (Final Numbers)

Arizona / Nevada / Total
Total Infected Premises: 1 / 10 / 11
Total Contact Premises: 3 / 128 / 131
Total Premises Quarantined: 0 / 145 / 145
Total Premises Released: 61 / 9 / 70
Total Premises Depopulated: 4 / 138 / 142
Total Birds Depopulated: 269 / 2746 / 3015

Last Infected Premises Depopulated: 7 Feb 2003 / 29 Jan 2003

Operational Update

Effective 7 Jan 2003, APHIS imposed a federal quarantine that regulates the 
interstate movement of all species of birds and poultry products from 
Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa 
Barbara, and Ventura Counties, CA.

Effective 17 Jan 2003, APHIS imposed a federal quarantine that regulates 
the interstate movement of all species of birds and poultry products from 
Clark and a portion of Nye County, NV.

Effective 10 Feb 2003, APHIS imposed a federal quarantine that regulates 
the interstate movement of all species of birds and poultry products from 
all of La Paz and Yuma Counties and a portion of Mohave County, AZ.

Effective 10 Apr 2003, APHIS imposed a federal quarantine that regulates 
the interstate movement of all species of birds and poultry products from 
all of El Paso and Hudspeth Counties, TX, and Dona Ana, Luna, and Otero 
Counties, NM.  The federal quarantine was placed on counties beyond the 
infected county due to their proximity to the infected county.

A quarantine was placed on a portion of New Mexico because of its proximity 
to the infected area in the State of Texas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared an extraordinary 
emergency for the States of Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and New 
Mexico.  These declarations allow USDA to apply federal authority within 
Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.

Currently there are 22 commercial flocks in the State of California 
affected by END.  The breakdown of the commercial premises involved is as 
follows:  4 premises in Riverside County (3 infected and 1 contact), 7 
premises in San Diego County (7 infected), and 11 premises in San 
Bernardino County (11 infected).

DNA sequencing analysis confirms that the Texas END outbreak was caused by 
a separate introduction of virus and not by movement of virus from the 
affected areas in California, Nevada, or Arizona.  Intensified surveillance 
in El Paso County, TX, and the surrounding areas has yielded no further 
positive cases, suggesting that our early detection and swift response has 
worked well to contain and eliminate this outbreak.

The South Coast Incident Command Post and the Inland Desert Incident 
Command Post are finalizing plans to merge all operational activities into 
the South Coast location in Garden Grove.  During late April 2003, all 
communications, ground support, mobilization, and demobilization functions 
are expected to shift to South Coast with the remainder of operational 
activities moving shortly after.

APHIS' enhanced surveillance plan includes the surveillance of 13 638 
premises from the Central California Incident Command Post 
(ICP).  Surveillance numbers for the Inland Desert and South Coast ICPs 
were unavailable at the time this report was prepared.

Outreach Activities
Over the next several weeks, the Task Force will be participating in 
celebrations in California's Hispanic and Latino communities to help 
educate citizens about END.  Approximately 500 000 people will receive 
Spanish-language educational materials at the Fiesta Broadway event.  The 
Task Force will also participate in the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in 
Lincoln Park.

The following link is to the State of California's END website:
<http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/Newcastle_info.htm>

The following link is to the State of Nevada's END website:
<http://www.agri.state.nv.us/END.htm>

The following link is to the State of Arizona's END website:
<http://agriculture.state.az.us/newcastle.htm>

The following link is to the State of Texas' END website.
<http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/animal_health/diseases/end/end.shtml>

Please forward this information to your federal, State, and industry 
counterparts as necessary.

If you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to call 
USDA, APHIS, VS, Emergency Programs at 800-940-6524, 301-734-8073, or 
e-mail at EMOC@APHIS.USDA.GOV.

­-
Thomas E. Walton
<thomas.e.walton@usda.gov>

******
[2]
Date: 2 May 2003
From: Carla Everett <ceverett@tahc.state.tx.us>
Source: Official TAHC release [edited]


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>

New Mexico Livestock Board
300 San Mateo Blvd NE, Suite 1000
Albuquerque, NM  87108-1500
(505) 841-6161 FAX (505) 841-6160
Steven R. England, DVM, State Veterinarian

For immediate release 2 May 2003
"One-Strike" Penalizes Texas Chicken, Egg Industry; Texas Producers Suffer 
Export Cuts

When chickens in El Paso got sick with Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) in 
early April 2003, Texas commercial chicken, egg, and turkey producers 
hundreds of miles away in East Texas saw export markets shut down nearly 
overnight.

Although this foreign bird virus has been confined (up to now) to only one 
small backyard flock, which has been depopulated, at least a dozen 
countries, including Mexico, either have banned the importation of  Texas 
poultry, eggs, or poultry meat, or have placed stringent requirements on 
products.  Even some U.S. states are requiring county-of-origin 
documentation  to prove Texas poultry and products didn't come from the El 
Paso area.

"For the pet bird owner or backyard producer, END infection in a flock is 
devastating, emotionally and financially. Although the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) reimburses owners for depopulated flocks, companionship, 
breeding, and genetics are lost," said Dr. Max Coats, deputy director for 
animal health programs at the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC),  the 
state's livestock and poultry health regulatory agency.  "It's very 
stressful for folks who live in areas quarantined because of END. Pet birds 
can't be moved until special provisions are made, and teams of regulatory 
veterinarians and animal health inspectors must make surveys and conduct 
testing to ensure no diseased birds or poultry have been missed."

"For the commercial chicken, turkey, or egg producer, END has financially 
devastating  consequences, even when the disease strikes hundreds of miles 
away. In Texas, END was detected in far West Texas, but it impacted the 
commercial poultry industry, most of which is congregated in East Texas." 
explained Dr. Travis Cigainero,  veterinarian for Pilgrim's Pride 
Corporation in Texas.

"One case of END in a state, and the commercial poultry and egg industry 
loses many of its international marketing opportunities until the state 
regains its disease-free status.  In the meantime, we have to find 
alternative marketing solutions, or reduce production in order to survive 
and maintain jobs for employees until export markets are reopened.  One 
infected flock puts the entire commercial poultry industry in jeopardy, and 
it's an industry that pumps more than $2 billion into the state's economy."

Since 10 Apr 2003, 5 Texas and New Mexico Counties have been under state or 
federal quarantines issued by the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), 
New Mexico Livestock Board, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
due to the disease outbreak.  Counties from which birds cannot move include 
El Paso and Hudspeth Counties in Texas, and Otero, Luna, and Dona Anna 
Counties in New Mexico.  The infected flock in El Paso County -- and 
neighboring small flocks that had 'dangerous contact' or potential disease 
exposure -- were depopulated in early April 2003 and paid for by the USDA.

A team of veterinarians and animal health inspectors from the USDA, TAHC, 
and New Mexico Livestock Board are working in the 5-County area to take 
calls about sick birds and to test many of the backyard flocks in the 
5-County area to ensure all END infection has been wiped out. The END Task 
Force is operating from an incident command center set up at the  El Paso 
County Fire Department at 11440 North Loop in Socorro. Bird owners in the 5 
quarantined counties may contact the task force at 915-859-9446.

For general END disease information, or to report sick birds in other parts 
of Texas, call the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.  In New Mexico, producers may 
call the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161.

END doesn't affect human health or animals other than birds.  The disease, 
however, is considered deadly to all avian species, including chickens, 
turkeys, pet birds, and ratites, such as ostriches. 2 days to 2 weeks after 
being exposed to the virus, infected birds may gasp, cough, exhibit muscle 
tremors or complete paralysis, develop watery diarrhea, or die suddenly, 
without signs of illness.

Dr. Cigainero reminded owners that the END virus can be carried on 
clothing, shoes, or equipment.  "Diseases don't just 'up and move' to new 
sites.  They are usually carried from place to place by people through the 
movement of birds or products. The future of our food production system is 
in the hands of the individual farmer and animal owner," he said.  "Be 
aware that you may be contaminated with the virus, if you've been around 
birds or equipment. Disinfect your shoes. Shower. Put on fresh clothing 
before handling your own birds.  If you have sick birds, report it to your 
veterinarian or the TAHC immediately, so action can be taken quickly to 
protect other flocks."

"When folks protect their own pet birds and backyard birds, they're also 
protecting the avian industry as a whole in Texas," said Dr. Coats. "The 
pet bird and backyard flock industry has a very important niche in the 
Texas economy.  Bird shows, poultry as 4H projects, pet birds as 
companions, and exotic birds are an important part of our culture. The 
Texas commercial poultry industry also has a major economic impact, as more 
than 10 000 Texans rely on this industry for jobs."

"Texas is the sixth leading exporter of poultry and poultry products.  In 
2001,  more than $137 million in poultry and poultry products were 
exported," said Dr. Cigainero.  "This directly relates to jobs.  You also 
have to consider the 'trickle-down' effect for the thousands of Texans who 
support the poultry industry with goods and services, such as feed and 
equipment for the birds, groceries, housing, banking, schools, 
transportation, and entertainment. The impact runs into the billions of 
dollars.  If we don't act quickly to practice good biosecurity with our 
birds and regain our ability to trade poultry and poultry products on the 
international market, the poultry industry -- and Texas businesses -- could 
really suffer."

Dr. Coats reminded producers that an END outbreak is still being fought in 
Southern California, which is also suffering from international trade 
embargoes.  More than 3.5 million birds have been destroyed in California 
to stop the spread of disease, which has hit nearly 900 backyard flocks and 
22 commercial poultry operations. Earlier this year (2003), the disease 
also was detected in backyard flocks in Nevada and Arizona. These outbreaks 
have been eradicated and these states are awaiting quarantine release.

"Never move birds from a quarantined area to a 'clean county,'" stressed 
Dr. Coats.  "It's foolhardy to think that we can outwit a disease like END 
with illegal movement of birds from an area, which may still have 
undetected infection.  END is an extremely contagious disease, and exposed 
birds can become extremely ill and most affected birds will die. One case 
of END in a state, and will interfere with international trade for months, 
until the outbreak is 'cleaned up.'"

"We do not have a date for quarantine release in Texas, even though we've 
found no additional infection," said Dr. Coats. "We have to develop 
scientific proof that we have looked for and tested all possible sources of 
infection before the USDA and our trading partners will consider our  state 
to be free of the disease."

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

[see also:
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty - USA (west) (12) 20030423.0988
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty - USA (west) (11) 20030415.0920
Newcastle disease, game fowl, plty - USA (west) (10) 20030411.0877
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 fowl, plty. - USA (west)      20030206.0318]
Newcastle disease, poultry - USA (TX): OIE (02) 20030425.1014
Newcastle disease, poultry - USA (TX): OIE      20030423.0987
Newcastle disease, game birds - USA (TX) (02): confirmed 20030410.0870
Newcastle disease, game birds - USA (Texas): suspect     20030407.0848
Newcastle disease, game birds, poultry - USA (CA) (06)   20030209.0353
Newcastle disease, poultry - USA: correction      20030428.1044
Newcastle disease, poultry - USA: EU import ban          20030427.1036]
.......................tg/pg/dk




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