Newcastle Disease in UK leads to Pheasant cull
UK - Exports of British poultry have been halted outside the European Union after the discovery of a highly-infectious disease in a flock of pheasants.The flock of 9,000 birds, kept at a farm in Surrey, is being culled, according to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Exports including live birds, meat and eggs have been suspended to countries outside the EU until further notice.
The pheasants, which were being reared for shooting, came to the UK as part of a consignment from France.
In its most severe form Newcastle disease can affect chickens, turkeys and ducks and can cause their sudden death.
It can also give the birds breathing difficulties and trigger a drop in egg production.
Source: SkyNews
16 July 2005
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