UC END Releases

November, 2002

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE note! This is a legitimate email we personally received. We have deleted information regarding the author so as not to flood him with inquiries. They are all from the Department of Animal Science, University of California. The UC Poultry Website is http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu.avian/
UC END Releases - Main Page
NOTE: Thank you Mr. Ernst for directly addressing this site's question to you of Novmber 25, 2002 as posed by one of our visitors (LINK - See Sanitation) in todays's END update.
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 11:21 AM
Subject: END Update
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday this seems a good time to express our thanks to the entire hard working crew who labor "on location" in S. California to protect our state's valuable bird population from END. Work on this project is emotionally draining and we are very lucky to have this level of commitment from the END Task Force crew.
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END Update:
END positive chickens continue to be found in the quarantine area. The poultry on 202 premises have now been euthanized and 1157 premises are under quarantine. These are mostly pet chickens and other backyard fowl.
All bird owners are requested to monitor their birds closely and report any unusual health problems to the Task Force at 800-491-1899. There is no charge for laboratory work when END is suspected. When birds must be depopulated the owners are fairly compensated based on the value of the birds. Bird owners are encouraged to protect the health of their birds by avoiding unnecessary contact with other birds.
Updates are available on-line at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/Newcastle_info.htm
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I have received additional questions and will try to respond to a few here.
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Question: What precautions are the Task Force members taking to prevent spread of END as they investigate and depopulate birds to eliminate this disease from California?
"We have a detailed written protocol, but I would prefer to summarize the pertinent points. We establish a "clean/dirty" line at each property. If we are entering a property and may come into contact with birds or bird debris, we wear complete protective wear. When we leave we remove our outer protective wear, including shoe covers, and disinfect. We never go from a contaminated site to a potentially uncontaminated site within the same day. Certain personnel are dedicated to working in areas where we have disease, and others work in areas without disease. Cars are washed and disinfected when leaving an area. The people going door-to-door discussing the situation with potential bird owners do not go on known infected premises. They wear protective shoe covers, do not go inside houses or near birds, and disinfect their hands and feet as they enter and leave each property."
Annette Whiteford, DVM
CDFA Veterinarian; Incidence Commander
END Task Force
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Question: We have heard that END was found in game chickens. What are you doing to inform game chicken owners about this problem?
We have prepared information in English and Spanish about the current problem and methods of preventing its spread. These have been provided in large quantities to feed stores in S. California for distribution to customers. More of these are available if anyone knows of a store that would like them call Doug Kuney, Poultry Farm Advisor at 909-787-2099. In addition Dr. Francine Bradley, Extension Poultry Specialist, has been meeting with game chicken clubs throughout California to inform them about the END danger and appropriate preventive actions. These clubs have been very cooperative and are helping by distributing information to their members.
NOTE: Looks like they didn't have information in Wildomar per media article of today!
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Question: Do you have END biosecurity recommendations in Spanish?
Yes; you can view and download or print the file at: http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/avian/shortcontrolENDspanish2.pdf
If this doesn't work for you contact me by e-mail and I will send you the file.
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Question: Some people say that the danger is exaggerated and that it isn't necessary to make any changes in the way we do business. Is this true?
We estimate that there are about 15 million confined or semi-confined birds in Southern California. Considering this the number of birds infected is small. However, the consequences of infection are depopulation and quarantine for the outbreak premises and other bird owners who may have been in contact with that premises. The most dangerous places where you might come in contact with the END virus are swap meets, bird marts and shows. Every person must decide what they are willing to risk. If you have birds at home that you don't want to lose it is a good time to avoid these bird events until this is under control.
The official quarantine rules are available at:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/pdfs/Notice%20of%20Regional%20Quarantine%20Nov%2013%2002.pdf?PRnum=02-055
and a sheet "Questions and Answers on Regional Bird Quarantine" is available at:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/pdfs/END%20Reg%20quarantine%20Q%20&A.pdf?PRnum=02-055
UC Poultry Website: http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/avian/

NOTE: It appears that the author, Mr. Ernst, was very confusing when he wrote this. He speaks of pets in several different sentences but does not clarify the difference between pet chicken and pet exotic birds in any manner. Pets indeed have been depopulated, whether you call them chickens, geese or exotic birds, since cockatiels and parakeets have been depopulated according to media reports. Keeping this in mind, then, it is almost impossible to guess what it was Mr. Ernst was trying to tell us.
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 2:02 PM
Subject: END Update
END positive chickens continue to be found in the quarantine area. The poultry on 181 premises have now been euthanized and 1126 premises are under quarantine. These are mostly pet chickens and other backyard fowl. We ask for everyone's patience as this is a very difficult situation. We do not want this to spread to pet birds, commercial birds, racing pigeons and other vulnerable avian populations. Those of you who own birds please help us by staying away from contact with birds of unknown disease history such as swap meets. It is heart wrenching for everyone to have to kill other people's pets. If this gets away from control by the Task force many more valuable birds will be threatened. Those who tell you that this disease is not a threat have obviously not had one of their pet birds killed as they watch. It is true that pet birds have not been infected at this point but it is equally true that they are susceptible!! We don't want this to spread to pet birds.
All bird owners in this area are requested to monitor their birds closely and report any unusual health problems to the Task Force at 800-491-1899. There is no charge for laboratory work when END is suspected. When birds must be depopulated the owners are fairly compensated based on the value of the birds. Bird owners are encouraged to protect the health of their birds by avoiding unnecessary contact with other birds or bird collections.
Updates are available on-line at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/Newcastle_info.htm

NOTE: Information mentioned here is all available on our site on our CDFA Onsite Info Page and was previously correct there.
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 8:53 AM
Subject: END Update
The link sent with the last post did not work properly. Hope this one will work for you.
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The END task force has posted guidelines for clubs or individuals outside the quarantine area who want to hold bird shows, bird swap meets or bird marts. These include poultry shows. This is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/pdfs/guidelines%20-%20Birds%20outside%20Q%20area.pdf

NOTE: Information mentioned here is all available on our site on our CDFA Onsite Info Page.
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2002 10:45 AM
Subject: END Update
The END task force has posted guidelines for clubs or individuals outside the quarantine area who want to hold bird shows, bird swap meets or bird marts. These include poultry shows. This is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/pdfs/guidelines-birds_outside_q_area.pdf.
By last Wed. 522 premises were under quarantine and 192 had been depopulated.

NOTE: Information mentioned here is all available on our site on our CDFA Onsite Info Page.
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 11:15 AM
Subject: END information
New END posting: "Information for neighbors near affected premises" is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/countyag/postings/files/Info_for_Neighbo.pdf.
The staff is working on guidelines for bird shows outside the quarantine area. This should be available soon on the CDFA END web site.
All bird owners in this area are requested to monitor their birds closely and report any unusual health problems to the Task Force at 800-491-1899. There is no charge for laboratory work when END is suspected. When birds must be depopulated the owners are fairly compensated based on the value of the birds. Bird owners are encouraged to protect the health of their birds by avoiding unnecessary contact with other birds or bird collections.
Updates are available on-line at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/Newcastle_info.htm

NOTE: This is release TWO for today. See also below.
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 5:26 PM
Subject: Q and A about END Quarantine
Notice of Bird Quarantine
California Department of Food and Agriculture (www.cdfa.ca.gov)
1-800-491-1899

Effective November 13, 2002 Exotic Newcastle disease, a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly, has been found in backyard poultry in this area (see map on back). The State of California and the United States Department of Agriculture are engaged in an active eradication program to eliminate this disease.

To prevent the spread of exotic Newcastle disease in this area, the California State Veterinarian has imposed a regional quarantine (Food and Agriculture Code Section 9562) that affects the owners of the bird species listed below and poultry exhibitions within the quarantined area.

Bird Species Under Quarantine

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, grouse, partridges, pheasants, quail, guinea fowl, pea fowl (peacocks), doves, pigeons, swans and ratites (emus, ostriches, rheas, etc.). At this time, caged birds (parakeets, parrots, etc.) are not under quarantine.

Can I move my birds?
If you own or sell any of the birds being quarantined and your birds are located within the quarantined area, moving your birds outside of the quarantined area is prohibited.

Can I show or sell my birds at swap meets, auctions, etc.?
Poultry may be shown or sold at events such as swap meets and auctions within the quarantined area where the management has signed a compliance agreement with the State. Swap meet and auction management may call (562) 795-1940 to request a compliance agreement. Poultry from outside the quarantined area that enter for exhibition and/or sale are NOT permitted to leave.

Can my bird club continue to hold its regular events?
Clubs whose bird species are not included in the quarantine may hold their regular events, but there remains an increased risk of spreading disease when birds congregate. To prevent spread of the infection, it is strongly recommended that birds of any species NOT be moved into, within or out of the quarantined area. Please call 1-800-491-1899 for recommended guidelines.

How long will this quarantine be in effect?
This quarantine will remain in effect until exotic Newcastle disease is eliminated from California.

If I violate this quarantine, what can happen to me?
Anyone who violates the quarantine shall be civilly liable in an amount not to exceed $25,000.

If my bird has exotic Newcastle disease or has been exposed and must be destroyed, will I be paid for my bird?
Yes. An appraisal is made to determine the amount to be paid for birds that have exotic Newcastle disease or have been exposed to the virus. These amounts are based on the fair market value of the bird.

Is this disease harmful to humans?
Exotic Newcastle disease does not pose a public health threat and does not affect the safety of poultry and eggs.

How can I tell if my bird has exotic Newcastle disease?
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, severe loss in egg production, etc.

If you suspect that your bird has exotic Newcastle disease, please call: 1-800-491-1899

Birds with symptoms consistent with the virus will be tested for free.


NOTE: All quarantine info and links are on our site. Why are they not releasing the numbers of depopulated birds?
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 2:48 PM
Subject: END Update
The END Task Force has established a regional quarantine (see document and map link below). This quarantine affects the following species: Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese. grouse, partridge. pheasants, quail, guinea fowl, pea fowl, doves, pigeons, swans, ratites and their eggs.

The numbers of premises positive for ENDV continues to increase slowly.

All bird owners in this area are requested to monitor their birds closely and report any unusual health problems to the Task Force at 800-491-1899. There is no charge for laboratory work when END is suspected. When birds must be depopulated the owners are fairly compensated based on the value of the birds. Bird owners are encouraged to protect the health of their birds by avoiding unnecessary contact with other birds or bird collections.

Updates are available on-line at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/Newcastle_info.htm

Notice of Regional Quarantine Affecting Bird Owners http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/pdfs/Notice%20of%20Regional%20Quarantine%20Nov%2013%2002.pdf?PRnum=02-055

Quarantine Map: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/pdfs/END_quantine_zone_boundaries_11-13-02.pdf?PRnum=02-055


NOTE: STILL no number of depopulated birds again! Premises depopulated up by 14 in the last 8 days per releases (see UC END release of October 31, 2002. Ominous last paragraph in this release!
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Friday, November 08, 2002 5:24 PM
Subject: END Update
The Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) situation remains about the same. Positive birds continue to be found on a few premises. Quarantines are now in effect on 271 properties. Birds on 66 premises (up 6 this week) have been depopulated. These flocks are located in the metropolitan Los Angeles area that includes parts of Riverside, L.A. and San Bernardino Counties. Bird shows and marts are still discouraged but are allowed if organizers obtain permission from the Task Force. These events will continue to be monitored. If a quarantine is necessary at a show or Mart it could prove very inconvenient and costly for the organizers of these events.
All bird owners in this area are requested to monitor their birds closely and report any unusual health problems to the Task Force at 800-491-1899. There is no charge for laboratory work when END is suspected. When birds must be depopulated the owners are fairly compensated based on the value of the birds. Bird owners are encouraged to protect the health of their birds by avoiding unnecessary contact with other birds or bird collections.
The Task Force indicates that an area quarantine may be declared with different procedures for bird owners, bird shows, etc. inside the zone and for the rest of California. A public release on this is expected early next week.

NOTE: NO consistent reporting of depopulated birds again! No stats!
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 1:54 PM Subject: END Update
Bird owners are encouraged to protect the health of their birds by avoiding unnecessary contact with other birds or bird collections.
Frequent Updates are available on-line at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/Newcastle_info.htm
The Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) situation remains about the same. Positive birds continue to be found on a few premises. Quarantines are now in effect on 266 properties. Birds on 60 premises have been depopulated. These flocks are located in the metropolitan Los Angeles area that includes parts of Riverside, L.A. and San Bernardino Counties. Bird shows and marts are still discouraged but are allowed if organizers obtain permission from the Task Force. These events will continue to be monitored. All bird owners in this area are requested to monitor their birds closely and report any unusual health problems to the Task Force at 800-491-1899. There is no charge for laboratory work when END is suspected. When birds must be depopulated the owners are fairly compensated based on the value of the birds.

NOTE: This is ALL it said!
To: "UC List for Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Releases"
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 3:45 PM Subject: END Update
At 3 p.m. Fri. update from Task Force indicates very little change in situation. A few premises are still undergoing depopulation. 147 premises now under quarantine.
UC END Releases - Main Page


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