Update on Newcastle Disease in California backyard exhibition (show-type) chickens

There have been new cases since mid-May, (click here for a list of confirmed cases) when this problem emerged in small flocks in California.  With the controls that exist via state regulations and routine state veterinary activities, this disease should be contained.  However, it’s very important to protect your (and your neighbors’) birds by following normal biosecurity precautions, and being very careful about where you purchase, or show, your birds.  Newcastle is a serious disease that hasn’t been a problem in US domestic birds for a long time, although there are somewhat different versions of the virus that can sometimes be found in wild birds, like pigeons or cormorants.  Follow this link to learn more about biosecurity for birds: APHIS Biosecurity for Birds