FBCC issues Newcastle Disease advisory

On behalf of the four Ontario feather boards, the Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) issued a Newcastle Disease advisory to all commercial poultry farmers and industry partners in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

FBCC has been alerted by OMAFRA that a pigeon flock in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry has tested positive for a velogenic strain of APMV-1 Newcastle Disease during routine export testing. A map to the approximate location can be found here.

FBCC is advising producers to reinforce their biosecurity protocols including monitoring the movement of birds, people and equipment onto and off of the farm in the interest of flock health.

Since this is not a federally reportable disease, there are no quarantine areas or movement controls that will be established.

Should a producer suspect any signs of health concerns in your flock, FBCC says to contact a veterinarian as well as the board. For more information on symptoms see OMAFRA’s Newcastle Disease Veterinary Advisory here.

FBCC is also asking producers to advise any visitors of their biosecurity protocols because of this situation and keep a logbook of movement in relation to the farm.

Minimize visits to other poultry production sites, avoid exchanging equipment with other poultry production sites or ensure that it is washed and disinfected.

Ensure all personnel in contact with birds wear boots, protective suits, head coverings and gloves/handwashing. Ensure adequate control of vermin and wild birds.