Report date: 19 July 2005.

An outbreak of Newcastle disease is highly suspected in a farm at St-Mars-de-Coutais, Loire-Atlantique department, Pays-de-la-Loire region (in the western part of the country).

The farm contains approximately 35,000 partridges and 20,000 pheasants.

On 19 July 2005, 20 pheasants showed positive serological results for Newcastle disease, associated with mild clinical signs. Virological tests are being carried out; their results should be available by 21 July 2005 at the earliest.

Source of outbreak or origin of infection: unknown or inconclusive (contact with wild animals?).