The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on 24 March. The outbreak was first noticed on 16 March and confirmed on 19 March.

The affected population comprises 35-week-old egg type breeders. Egg drop and slight risen mortality was observed.

Out of a total of 10680 susceptible birds, 30 deaths were reported. The remaining 10650 birds were destroyed.

Haemagglutination inhibition test (HIT), pathogen isolation by egg inoculation and real-time PCR were conducted at the Northern Poultry Health Laboratory (local laboratory), wherein the presence of the Newcastle disease virus was confirmed.

According to the OIE, the farm located in Hazafon has medium biosecurity and is located in a high density poultry growing region.

The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.

Further Reading

Find out more information on Newcastle disease by clicking here.