Exotic Newcastle Disease Suspected in Texas Poultry Flock

Writer: Edith A. Chenault, (979) 845-2886, e-chenault1@tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Bruce Lawhorn, (979) 845-3230, Blawhorn@cvm.tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION - Exotic Newcastle Disease, a deadly, highly-contagious poultry disease, is
suspected in a backyard fighting gamecock flock near Fabens, east of El Paso.

As of early April, more than 3.5 million birds in southern California have been destroyed to stop
the spread of the disease, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
 
A neighbor had reported the Texas flock with the sick birds on April 5, the TAHC reported.
While awaiting laboratory confirmation of the preliminary diagnosis, which should be completed
by Friday, April 11, a team of state and federal animal health officials has gathered on-site to
contain the disease. They will assess the area to determine if infection may have spread to nearby
flocks, the TAHC reported.

While END poses little threat to humans or the food supply, it typically causes severe illness and
death in commercial and gamecock flocks and also affects domesticated birds such as parrots and
budgies.

By the time it was reported, 30 birds out of the 100-bird flock had died, the TAHC reported.

Dr. Bruce Lawhorn, veterinarian with Texas Cooperative Extension and the College of Veterinary
Medicine at Texas A&M University, said symptoms of END are respiratory distress such as
gasping and/or coughing; central nervous disorders such as depression, circling, paralysis,
dropping wings and/or dragging legs; greenish diarrhea; swelling of the tissues around the neck
and head; or a drop in egg production. Death loss is almost certain; it's just a matter of the
percentage, he said.

Because of vaccination, the symptoms in commercial flocks may be less severe, with only a
moderate death loss and reduction in egg production, Lawhorn said.

Dr. Max Coats, TAHC assistant deputy director for animal health programs, said, “Carrier birds
can spread the virus through respiratory discharges, feces or feathers.”

The latest outbreak of END in the United States began in 2002. Dr. John El-Attrache (El-Ah-
Trosh), assistant professor of veterinary pathobiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at
Texas A&M, said the disease originated from the illegal importation of fighting gamecocks into
eastern Los Angeles. This disease has affected the commercial laying industry in southern
California and has been eradicated in two other states.

In warm, humid weather, the virus can survive several weeks, Coats said, and in cold
temperatures, it can remain alive indefinitely. Viral disinfectants, dry weather and sunshine,
however, kill the disease.

The commercial poultry industry is big in Texas, employing more than 11,000 people and
generating annual cash receipts of more than $1.4 billion.

Since the disease must be reported to government animal health authorities, interstate commerce
as well as international exports can be impacted, El-Attrache said.

Lawhorn said laboratory testing is needed to confirm a clinical diagnosis of END because it can
mimic other poultry diseases.

Poultry owners can protect their flocks by practicing good biosecurity, he said.

Any unusual death losses or illness in flocks should be reported. In Texas, owners can call their
veterinarian or the TAHC, which takes emergency calls 24 hours a day at (800) 550-8242.