Due to this quarantine, we will not contribute to infect any of our beloved flocks! 

We will order chicks when this disease is gone! 

We sure do miss them as much as you! 

  For a list of virulent Newcastle disease cases since the outbreak began in May 2018, visit the USDA VND website. 

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April 1, 2020

Virulent Newcastle Disease Update from State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones

During the COVID-19 crisis one item subject to shortages has been eggs. As a result, chicken keepers in the VND quarantine zone have asked if they can move eggs off their properties in order to share them with others.

The current quarantine order prohibits the movement of eggs without permission from CDFA because moving eggs from an infected flock to a home with an uninfected flock will start the outbreak all over again.  No one wants that!  However, there are some simple precautions that can be taken to allow this movement, particularly at a time when eggs are in such high demand.

The essential first step is to receive permission. People interested in moving eggs must contact SFSPermits@cdfa.ca.gov to receive a permit. Any unpermitted movement is a violation of the quarantine.

After receiving permission, it is vital to ensure the flock producing the eggs is healthy and is not a silent carrier of the virus.  If the flock has been consistently protected by the use of biosecurity and no new chickens have been added without a CDFA permit since 2019, the risk of infection is low.  Further, if the person taking the eggs does not have chickens and is not in contact with chickens, the risk of spread is close to zero. 

Additionally, the eggs must be cleaned and sanitized before leaving the premises, and egg suppliers should not accept used egg crates back unless they are non-porous and cleaned and sanitized ahead of time. 

I encourage you to review our website for detailed biosecurity information (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/BioSpecies/BioPoultry.html), but some basics include:  Do not allow visitors to the area where you keep your birds, use dedicated clothes and footwear when interacting with your birds and keep rodents away from your birds and out of their feed.  Our outbreak statistics show that you need to be extra cautious if you have more than 20 birds, greater than 50% roosters in your flock, or if you’re in a high-risk area.

Remember, eggs are a valuable source of nutrition and those that produce eggs have a responsibility to ensure they are safe to eat by following egg safety guidance.  Also, please be aware that in order to sell or market eggs, you must register as an Egg Handler with the CDFA Egg Safety and Quality Management Program. More information about egg safety and registration can be found at:https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/mpes/esqm.html.

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February 20, 2020

Virulent Newcastle Disease Update from State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones

Many southern California residents may be wondering why their local feed and pet stores do not have chicks for sale this spring.  While virus levels in the region are greatly reduced, VND continues to impact backyard flocks inside the regional quarantine area, as evidenced by the detection of more than 20 new cases this winter. DNA from these recent cases suggests they are all related, most likely from a single source with further spread due to bird movement, lax biosecurity, and commingling at feed and pet stores.  

Feed and pet stores provide a critical infrastructure for bird owners. Not only are they a source of feed, equipment and birds, they are also a gathering place for like-minded people where information and experiences can be shared. Unfortunately, this foot traffic also means that some customers may be carrying the virus on their shoes or clothing. When a store with this type of foot traffic also houses poultry, it gives the virus a chance to find a new host and become even more infectious.  Keeping poultry, including baby chicks, out of these important community businesses will help the region become VND free.

The best defense against the virus is to continue practicing good biosecurity.

• DO NOT MOVE YOUR BIRDS
• Disinfect and change shoes and clothes before and after handling your birds
• Do not wear clothes and shoes used with your flock to places with poultry or other bird owners
• Wash hands thoroughly
• Do not handle birds while at feed or pet stores
• Disinfect anything purchased at the store before introducing it to your flock (feeders, waters, etc.) 

Be aware of the signs of VND in your flock and report any sick birds to the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline (1-866-922-2473) right away.

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 February 25, 2020

San Bernardino

Backyard exhibition chickens

February 21, 2020

San Bernardino

Backyard exhibition chickens

February 18, 2020

San Bernardino

Backyard exhibition chickens 

 January 13, 2020

San Bernardino

Backyard exhibition chickens 

 January 8, 2020

San Bernardino

Backyard exhibition chickens 

It is important to note that any bird movement within a quarantined area is prohibited by law and violators are subject to fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, or up to $25,000 if a violator is proven to have moved the virus.

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Attention: The United States Postal Service (USPS) is not allowing shipments of live birds (all) or hatching/embryonated eggs into or out of zip codes 90000-93599 in California. For more information: https://postalpro.usps.com/node/6643

 The modified quarantine extends from the Northern and Southern borders of western Riverside County to the Salton Sea—including the Coachella Valley—and as far east as Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County, with a Northern boundary of State Route 58 at the Kern County line. 

Unfortunately, even birds and flocks that previously tested negative, but now fall within a designated mandatory euthanasia area, must be euthanized. USDA/CDFA staff will contact affected bird owners with orders specific to their property.

The disease put California on a quarantine, keeping businesses from buying new chickens, leaving cages empty. The incident, according to CDFA, started May of 2018.

Symptoms owners should look out for:

• Sudden death and increased death loss in flock;
• Sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing;
• Greenish, watery diarrhea;
• Decreased activity, tremors, drooping wings, twisting of head and neck, circling, complete stiffness; and
• Swelling around the eyes and neck.

The disease does not affect meat humans consume. People can catch the disease through touching a chicken's bodily fluids, and a person could come down with mild flu symptoms

To report any sick birds, San Diegans are asked to immediately call the Sick Bird Hotline, 866-922-2473."