Newcastle Disease Detected in Chickens for the First Time in Latvia 0 9

Until now, Newcastle disease had not been detected in domestic birds in Latvia, but laboratory studies show that it circulates in wild bird populations.

Newcastle disease is an acute, highly contagious infectious disease of birds, characterized by respiratory and digestive disorders, nervous system disturbances, and sepsis.

Wild birds are a natural reservoir for the virus. Domestic birds can become infected through contact with infected wild birds. Birds can also become infected through contaminated feed or items (shoes, clothing, equipment) that have been exposed to the virus.

As with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, when Newcastle disease is detected, all birds and eggs on the farm are destroyed. Protection and surveillance zones with radii of three and ten kilometers are established around the farm affected by Newcastle disease, within which the transportation of live birds and poultry products is prohibited.