USDA declares several Mexican States free of Exotic Newcastle Disease - WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced that it has declared the Mexican states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan free of exotic Newcastle disease.

APHIS has conducted a risk evaluation and has determined that these three Yucatan peninsula states have met the requirements for being recognized as free of END.

This change in disease status relieves import restrictions on poultry and poultry products from these regions.

APHIS is also adding a certification requirement to ensure that poultry and poultry products from Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan originate in those states or in a region recognized by APHIS as free of END. In addition, the certificates ensure that prior to export to the United States, such poultry and poultry products are not commingled with poultry and poultry products from regions where END does exist.

Notice of this action was published in the Jan. 27 Federal Register and becomes effective Feb. 11. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Source: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - 29th January 2004