(Date of previous outbreak of Newcastle disease in France reported to the OIE: December 1999).

Immediate notification report

Translation of information received on 19 July 2005 from Dr Monique Eloit, Deputy Director General, General Directorate for Food (DGAL), Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs, Paris:

Report date: 19 July 2005.

Reason for immediate notification: re-occurrence of a listed disease or infection in a country or zone/compartment following a report declaring the outbreak(s) ended.

Date of first confirmation of the event: 19 July 2005.

Clinical disease: yes.

Nature of diagnosis: suspicion, laboratory.

Details of outbreak:

* approximately 35,000 partridges and 20,000 pheasants

Description of affected population: pheasants.

Diagnosis: 20 pheasants showed positive serological results for Newcastle disease associated with subtle clinical signs. Virological tests are being carried out; the results will be available by 21 July 2005 at the earliest.

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

Control measures

A. Undertaken: quarantine.

B. To be undertaken: preventive stamping out.

Other details/comments:

- The affected farm is located on two different sites.

- No birds have left the affected farm since 1 June 2005, with the exception of one shipment to England on 22 June.

- The affected farm is epidemiologically linked to the farm in Surrey, United Kingdom, which was declared infected with Newcastle disease on 15 July 2005.