NEWCASTLE DISEASE, WATER BIRDS - USA (04): (WISCONSIN)
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A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases <http://www.isid.org>
Date: 26 Aug 2010
Source: Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association <http://library.constantcontact.com/doc204/1103573876945/doc/jXHxWmzU2XbUQNbY.pdf>
On Wed 25 Aug 2010, we received notification that pathogenic Newcastle Disease has been found in double-crested cormorants on Pilot and Spider Islands, off the tip of the Door County, Wisconsin, peninsula. We are notifying registered poultry premises in eastern Wisconsin about this finding to provide information about the disease, along with contact information if you have more questions, if you find dead birds near your premises, or if you see any unusual symptoms in your birds.
Newcastle disease is relatively common among cormorants. Usually they contract the non-pathogenic form of the disease, meaning it does not make them ill. In this case, tests showed it to be the more virulent, or pathogenic, form of Newcastle in some of the dead birds. In addition, the birds also tested positive for botulism. Therefore, it's unclear which disease killed them.
What is clear is that we've detected the pathogenic strain of Newcastle disease, and you should be aware of that fact as a poultry owner. It is unlikely that domestic poultry will be infected by cormorants, but possible. In previous outbreaks in the United States, Newcastle disease has been transmitted to domestic poultry only once from cormorants.
The other thing you need to know is that there is no human health risk associated with either form of Newcastle disease.
The disease has also been found this summer in Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ontario, Canada. It is expected that the cormorants currently in or near Door County will soon begin to migrate likely following the Western shore of Lake Michigan, so they could spread the disease to those areas.
The USDA Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will continue to monitor this disease. If you aren't already limiting your birds' exposure to wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl, I recommend that you do so now. In addition watch for these signs and symptoms:
Respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, gasping, coughing and nasal discharge
* Diarrhea
* Low energy and loss of appetite
* Drop in egg production or misshapen and soft-shelled eggs
* Nervous system impairment such as trembling, drooping wings, circling, and twisting or paralysis of the head and neck
* Swelling around the head
* Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs and legs, tremors, drooping wings, circling, and twisting the head and neck
If you see any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately. If you see dead wild birds, call the Wisconsin Deadbird Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
Many poultry diseases are transmitted through direct contact between birds and from bodily discharges from sick birds. Viruses and bacteria can be carried on shoes, clothing, tools, and vehicles. You can pick up viruses or bacteria on your hands or clothing or in your nasal passages and transmit it to birds. Here are some additional reminders on basic biosecurity practices:
* Avoid exposing your flock to wild birds
* Restrict vehicle and foot traffic near your birds
* Disinfect shoes, clothing, hands, egg trays or flats, crates, vehicles and tires, particularly after visiting other poultry farms or fairs, shows and exhibits
* Buy birds only from reputable dealers and ask for certification that birds were legally imported
* Keep new birds separated from the rest of the flock for at least 30 days
* Keep young and old birds, birds of different species, and birds from different sources separated
* Keep records of all sales and shipments
If you have questions, you can call the Animal Health Division at 608-224-4872. You can also send an e-mail to <animals@datcp.state.wi.us>. If you e-mail us, please include a phone number. It's often easier to answer questions in detail by phone rather than e-mail, and we're happy to call you.
Robert Ehlenfeldt, DVM
Wisconsin State Veterinarian
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Communicated by:
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[This letter was sent to the poultry owners in Wisconsin in an effort to prepare them to be more conscious of disease in their area.
The letter indicates the disease has been found in several areas and we are likely to see more reports of this disease as the water birds began some of the fall migrations. - Mod.TG]
[For a map of Wisconsin showing counties, see <http://www.digital-topo-maps.com/county-map/wisconsin.shtml>. - Mod.MPP]
[see also:
Newcastle disease, water birds - USA (03): (MN) 20100827.3042 Newcastle disease, water birds - USA (02): (MN) susp 20100816.2833 Newcastle disease - Canada: (SK) susp 20100815.2815 Newcastle disease, water birds - USA: (MN) 20100807.2692] ....................tg/ejp/mpp/ll
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